Youths show hooliganism the red card
Youngsters were told how to avoid becoming involved in football hooliganism last week.
The kids, aged 13-16, took part in a unique sports camp aimed to help end disorder amongst youths on the terraces.
The nominated group from across South Ayrshire schools kicked off the three day programme called Pitchin In at Queen Margaret Academy in Ayr last Tuesday led by campus cops.
Ayr United Youth Academy, South Ayrshire Active Schools and the National Football Information Point also helped deliver informative sessions designed to help youths steer away from offensive behaviour.
They were told how to improve their decision making and become more resilient to prevent them becoming involved in harmful actions.
It comes just weeks after shameful scenes marred an Old Firm game between Rangers and Celtic with bottles launched onto the pitch from the stands. Police say those ugly scenes which saw the start of the second half at Ibrox delayed “encouraged discussion”amongst the group . A spokesperson for Police Scotland National Information Point said:“The participants on this course were a great group and a joy to work with. Their love of football was key to engaging them in a range of topics we have experienced at recent football matches both locally and nationally which encouraged discussion.”
The youths all took part in playing football with the campus officers and partners as well as building friendships.
At the end of the week the group were treated to a trip to Hampden Park for a day out and a tour of the national stadium.
PC Stuart Paton, Campus Officer at Queen Margaret Academy, said:“It was a fantastic event to see young people coming together. During the three days they built positive relationships while engaging in the football programme where they all learned something.”
Sergeant Claire Walker added:“It was great to see the young people enjoying the programme which not only educates them on football related behaviour but the impact of the decisions they make. The programme provided an excellent diversion and the relations built with both the campus officers and each other during the programme will continue back into school.”