St Mirren’s youth training programme is back in the game

A pioneering back-towork programme is set to kick off again later this month.

Off the Bench, which is funded by the Scottish Government’s CashBack fund, is a 12-week programme for young people looking to take their next positive step.

It is run in partnership with the SPFL Trust at five clubs across Scotland, including St Mirren.

The next 12-week programme starts on February 21.

Gayle Brannigan, is CEO of St Mirren Charitable Foundation, runs Off the Bench at SMiSA stadium.

She said: “The young people receive amazing training and come out with great qualifications at the end of it.

“It’s not held in the job centre, we bring them here to the stadium.

“That really helps to inspire them.

“It’s a great programme and we’re looking forward to welcoming our new participants later this month.”

Young people aged 16-24 are referred to the programme and in previous years have been referred by the police, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, social work departments, the Job Centre, high schools and a range of public and third sector agencies. Self-referral is not possible.

It is for young people who aren’t in education, employment or training and are yet to figure out their next positive step.

It’s also suited for people interested in football and making a difference in their local community.

Logan Hamilton graduated from Off the Bench last year.

He said: “I am quite a shy person and this course took me out of my comfort zone and gave me more confidence in myself to speak up and work in a team.

“We were all given support in relation to SQA qualifications and how to complete a CV in order to help with future employment.”

Another participant Arrianna Loughran said the programme helped her find a new job.

She said: “Off the Bench gave me an opportunity to gain employability qualifications and get my coaching badges.

“I now work with St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation coaching their girls-only football sessions with Disney UEFA PlayMakers.”

The participants work towards a Level 4 SQA Employability Award, SFA coaching badge and receive support into employment, volunteering, or further education.

 If you know of a young person who would benefit from taking part in Off the Bench, email foundation@stmirren.com