St Andrew’s kids are on the ball

Paisley pupils are top of the league when it comes to football.

St Andrew’s Academy has been presented with the Scottish Schools Football Association Gold Award.

The school is the first in Renfrewshire, and fifth in Scotland, to receive the prestigious accolade for its high participation numbers in football.

Gillian Duffy is a PE teacher at the school in Ben Nevis road.

She told the Paisley Daily Express both staff and pupils are delighted to be taking home gold.

“This kind of recognition is just brilliant for the school,” Gillian said.

“We have football teams for boys and girls in every age group at St Andrew’s.

“Not only that, but a number of our teams compete in top leagues.

“At the moment two of our teams are through to the semi-finals of the St Mirren Cup.”

Gillian believes the youngsters get much more out of football than kicking a ball.

“Football is a great lesson in teamwork, winning and losing,” she added.

“It’s good for building self esteem and creating that sense of achievement.

“To be the first school in Renfrewshire to get the Gold Award is a huge deal.”

Joe Harkins, president of the Scottish Schools FA, said: “It is an honour to present this award on behalf of the Scottish School’s FA to St Andrew’s Academy.

“It recognises their representation at local and national level and the staff commitment to ongoing professional development.”

For more information on the Scottish Schools Football Association Gold go to www. scottish schoolsfa.co.uk/