Soccer sessions are aimed at primary pupils
Girls in Renfrewshire will be in a league of their own as a new Soccer Centre launches later this week.
Training sessions at the Girls Soccer Centre kick off on Friday at St Benedict’s High School in Linwood.
These are aimed at girls aged five to 11 and football development officer Robert Campbell said the soccer centre is open to all.
“These training sessions welcome primary school girls of all ages and abilities,” he said.
“One of the questions parents in the area have been asking me is how it will benefit their daughter if she can already play football.
“Our coaches will split the group by age and then by ability.
“That means girls who are complete beginners to the game can be introduced to it properly, while those who already play can build upon and improve their skills.”
Professional coaches from across Renfrewshire are being draughted in to coach the girls every Friday from 4.30p till 6pm.
Victoria Collins, from Johnstone, makes up the top team.
The 20-year-old football fanatic has grown up with the game and thinks girls and boys get so much out of it.
“I started playing football when I was six years old and I’ve been coaching since I was around 15 or 16,” Victoria said. “I just absolutely love it. “Football has given me so much over the years.
“When I was young I always had to travel into Glasgow or further afield for training and games.
“To have something like this in the local area for young girls is just brilliant.”
Now working for the SFA, Renfrewshire Leisure and Active Schools Victoria maintains that the Girls Soccer Centre is more than just kicking a ball.
“Really, for me this centre isn’t about football, it could be anything,” she added.
“This is all about getting young girls out the house and playing sport.
“Taking part in sport helps with your communication and teamwork skills, and you make friends for life.
“Technology is taking over people’s lives now.
“It’s so important to get girls and boys into keeping fit from a young age.”
The Girls Soccer Centre sessions cost £2 per week, but this week is free of charge.
To reserve a place book online at www. renfrewshire- leisure. class4kids.co.uk.
For more information contact Robert via email at robert. campbell@ renfrewshire. gov. uk or by calling 07785 925 975.