Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Tackling anti-social behaviour is the goal
Win for St Margaret’s
St Margaret’s High hit the back of the net to come out on top on the football field while tackling anti-social behaviour.
Girls from the Airdrie school joined their peers from across Lanarkshire to team up with the police and anti- sectarian campaigners Nil by Mouth to compete for the Kiss Bigotry Goodbye Cup at Ravenscraig sports centre.
More than 70 female players took part in the event which aimed to highlight how football can be used as a vehicle for “encouraging inclusion and confronting antisocial behaviour”, with the St Margaret’s squad coming out on top.
They defeated Braidhurst High to clinch the coveted trophy, and more than 100 goals were scored on the day.
In addition to showcasing their football skills, the pupils participated in a special educational workshop which raised awareness of the consequences of sectarianism, warned of the dangers of posting online abuse and deepened understanding of different religious cultures and traditions.
Lanarkshire Division local policing commander, Chief Superintendent Roddy Irvine, said: “This was a great event enjoyed by everyone. At Police Scotland we are committed to keeping our communities safe and a key part of that is education.
“We want to see young people supporting their teams with enthusiasm but without malice. This event gave our young people a chance to understand and celebrate the diversity of the communities they live in.
“It will also give them an insight into the impact and consequences of acts of sectarianism, whether online or in person; football should bring people together and I hope the Kiss Bigotry Goodbye Cup helps make that happen.”