Football lessons …from Germany

THE Germans are to have a go at teaching British children to play football.

German supermarket Lidl is expected to spend millions of pounds a year on a football skills programme with the football associations of Scotland, England and Wales.

Lidl will be the ‘lead grassroots partner’ for the football associations, providing coaching for children at schools and community clubs.

Purchasing director Ryan McDonnell said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity and one that we are both excited and extremely proud to be a part of.’

Jim Fleeting, SFA director of football development, said: ‘Grassroots football in Scotland will benefit from this exciting partnership with Lidl and we are grateful for their support.’

The move by Lidl follows a decision by its German rival Aldi to become the lead sponsor of Team GB for the Rio Olympics next year.