Summer football programme caters for all

Jun 24 2008 by Gordon Bannerman

EURO 2008 will have a huge bearing on this year’s summer soccer skills programme in Perth and Kinross.

While Scotland might have missed out, kids sporting international colours will be trying to emulate their heroes at various events lined-up by SFA community coach Atholl Henderson over the summer.

There’s a Saints Soccer Week supported by Scottish Hydro-Electric from July 21-25 at McDiarmid Park, aimed at youngsters aged seven to 16. The locally based power company also backs the popular Super Skills weekly programme which is an integral part of the SFA community scheme revolving around St Johnstone, with support from PKL and the council.

Atholl admits the broad scope of the programme, beginning on July 1, would be impossible without the enthusiasm and commitment of nearly 100 volunteer coaches.

Nearly 15,000 attendances were clocked on the Super Skills last year and around 400 kids reported to the summer holiday programme.

“The SFA assists the coaches reach different levels and their input is vital. It would be impossible to run all these courses without them,” said Atholl.

“There is everything from small-sided games, skills courses, soccer sevens and training sessions during the year.

“The summer programme caters for all standards. The emphasis is on enjoyment and fun. “It’s great seeing kids heading off to their parents all excited about scoring a goal or two. If there turns out to be a future St Johnstone player among them then that’s a bonus.”

For full details of the various soccer programmes in the area contact McDiarmid Park on 459090.