FESTIVAL OF FUTSAL

Pupils have a ball learning

West Lothian Youth Foundation’s Primary School Futsal Initiative visited St John the Baptist in Fauldhouse as they continued their drive to teach the sport in schools.

Since 2014, WLYF has been leading the way in the introduction of Futsal to the primary school pupils of West Lothian.

It has been delivered in collaboration with West Lothian Active Schools network staff and the SFA.

The Active Schools input has been key to effective programme design and delivery to ensure the sessions connect into the curriculum for excellence.

The initiative aims to support an improvement in playing standards and through working in schools lead to increased participation levels as well as teaching core football skills that are transferable to other forms of the sport.

Scott Millar, General Manager, West Lothian Youth Foundation said: “The Foundation is delighted by how successful the Primary School Futsal Initiative has been over the last two years.

“The programme has reached all areas of West Lothian and provided a great opportunity for children throughout the county to take part in a new sport.

“The Futsal Initiative is unique as no other similar programme is running in Scotland.”

He added: “The Foundation would also like to thank Sportscotland and Energy Assets for their support of the programme over the past two years and allowing it to be a great success.”

Anne Purdie, Head Teacher, St John the Baptist Primary School stated: “My Primary 7 pupils have really enjoyed participating in the FUTSAL programme over the school session.

“Their enthusiasm and motivation for the sport was very much in evidence.

“This was all helped through the hard work and commitment of the futsal coaches.”