FC Barcalomond players take part in development scheme

Dec 19 2008 by Laura McLachlan, Lennox Herald (main ed)

YOUTH footballers at FC Barcalomond took part in the Sports Leaders UK scheme run by West Dunbartonshire Sports Development Unity this month.

Eleven players from the team, aged between 14 and 17 took part in what is a first step in leadership while at the same time, helping young people in developing planning, organisation, teamwork and communication.

Thanks to the scheme, youth players will be trained to deliver coaching sessions to their younger peers in the club.

The main aim of the course is to equip young people with practical skills and leadership experience to lead safe, fun and enjoyable activities complimented by gaining National Governing Body qualifications in coaching football. Three of the youth coaches have now also qualified in initial SFA coaching courses.

Garry Larkin, of Barcalomond, said: “Our aim is to run further courses over the summer to introduce, educate and qualify players in sports coaching.

“As far as we are aware, this has never been done purely for a football club, certainly in this area.”

For further information on the Sports Leaders UK courses, please contact Pamela Dewar, West Dunbartonshire Council Sports Development Unit on 01389 753557 or at pamela. dewar@west-dunbarton. gov.uk.