Dozens of kids football camps to return in Scotland during summer holidays – and they're FREE
HAVING A BALL Dozens of kids football camps to return in Scotland during summer holidays – and they're FREE
THOUSANDS of Scottish youngsters will be able to take part in free football camps this summer.
Dozens of week-long kickabouts will take place across the country in July and August.
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Ex-Scotland player Lee McCulloch got involved with the football camps
Credit: Scottish FA
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Pat Nevin will also be involved
Credit: Scottish FA
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The Scottish FA and Scottish Gas have arranged the events to take place to give kids the opportunity to have fun while improving their football skills.
The young players will also have a chance to win prizes at the events for showing good teamwork, communication, respect and fair play.
They good even get a chance to win tickets to Scottish Cup games.
Bosses say the camps are a good way to keep youngsters engaged and active while off school.
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Around 1,500 kids are expected to take part in the footy events this summer.
There is even a chance to meet some of their sporting heroes while there.
Former Scotland international Lee McCulloch visited one of the camps in Falkirk last year and even got involved with the coaching.
He said: 'Football has always been more than just a game to me. It's about teamwork, confidence, and keeping active.
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"These camps are a brilliant way for kids to stay engaged during the
break while also giving parents some much-needed peace of mind.'
The ex-national side star even stopped by the family home of Lucas, one of the young players, to chat to his family about the positive impact of the camps.
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The Summer football camps build on recent findings showing that nearly half of UK parents feel anxious about keeping children entertained and fed during school holidays — pressures that initiatives like these help to ease.
Lucas' mum Deborah said it was a great opportunity for her lad while also allowing her to work and giving her peace of mind he was being looked after.
She said: 'As a mum, the best thing about the Scottish Gas football camps is that I can continue to work over the holidays, while my son is at the camp having fun, being active, and in a safe, friendly environment.'
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Footy chiefs have also increased the number of their para camps, which support children with disabilities in engaging with football.
Former Chelsea and Everton winger Pat Nevin has been involved in the para camps.
He said: "There's strong evidence that football and sport can play a huge role in supporting young people with autism, from improving motor skills and social interaction to helping reduce the severity of certain symptoms.
"That's why initiatives like the Para Football Camps are so
important.
"The positive impact they can have isn't just significant — it can be life-changing."
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Para football summer camps
AN INCREASED number of the para football camps for children with disabilities have been organised for later this year.
They will be taking place at football grounds across the country over the coming months.
A full list of these events can be found HERE.
James Corcoran, Head of Strategic Brand Partnerships at Scottish Gas, added:
'Scottish Gas has been a constant in communities for generations, and we're proud to support families when it matters most.
"Our holiday camps are about more than football – they offer fun activities for kids and support for parents who need a reliable helping hand over the holidays.'
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