Football programme shows kids the way
Lewis (14) showcases his skills
Uddingston footballer Lewis Mcintyre praised a football programme that takes kids off the street, after showing his skills off to a former Scotland international.
Lewis (14) represented Glasgow at the Bank of Scotland Midnight League South West Regional Final at Ayr United’s Somerset Park, watched by ex-ayr and St Mirren winger Gary Teale.
The Bank of Scotland Midnight League is a national network of diversionary five-a-side football activities, targeting 12-to 16-yearold boys and girls across the country.
Run in partnership with the Scottish FA and supported by the Scottish Government’s Cash Back for Communities programme, local council or trust funding, the Bank of Scotland Midnight League take place in all 32 Scottish local authorities.
Lewis, a pupil at St Ambrose High in Coatbridge, said he couldn’t have asked for a better day out.
He said: “I have been playing in the Midnight League for about a year now at Bannerman High School in Baillieston.
“I go along every Friday night and it’s lots of fun, I get to play with my friends, and it gets me out of the house.
“I feel a lot fitter for it and it has built up my confidence, too.
“I’m ecstatic that we have reached the regional finals – it’s great to be able to play in a competition and be able to hopefully win a cup, because that boosts us as a team.
“I think the Midnight League is brilliant ; it encourages people to go out there and play football.
“I’ve been playing football since I was five, I’ve won many medals and many cups, and I’m a season ticket- holder at Celtic.”
Played across three categories – junior (12-13 year-old boys) senior (14-16 year-old boys and girls) and a girls’ section, more than 200 young footballers from across the southwest of Scotland took to the pitch at Somerset Park.
Ambassador Teale was on hand to present medals and trophies to participants and commented: “I came down last year to see the work that the guys have been doing, promoting football and giving the kids something to do.
“It’s a definite attraction for them, as opposed to hanging about and not doing anything, so I feel very fortunate.”
Bank of Scotland Midnight League is a free community football programme delivered across all 32 local authorities in Scotland, aimed at boys and girls aged 12-16. For more information visit www.scottishfa. co.uk/midnightleague