Warning that Brexit could put brakes on EU cultural exchange

North East Scotland MSP Mike Rumbles and Monifieth councillor Ben Lawrie have raised concerns about the possible loss of an EU cultural exchange programme that benefits Scottish football’s youngest players.

Among other things, the Erasmus scheme, which is under threat if the UK leaves the EU, funds and supports budding youth players from all over Scotland as they visit other counties to learn about the game from some of the biggest footballing nations in the world.

Findings from the East of Scotland European Consortium, chaired by Liberal Democrat councillor Mr Lawrie, show that sports, schools, colleges and universities in the region have received £11 million from the programme since 2014, benefiting young players and their communities.

Fellow Lib Dem, Mr Rumbles, has now written to the Scottish Government’s minister for sport to raise concerns about the possible loss of the exchange programme.

He said: “Erasmus, which is funded by the EU, is a fantastic scheme that broadens horizons for thousands of young people every year, enriching their lives and benefiting Scotland as a whole.

“Erasmus’s football cultural exchange gives our young athletes the chance to experience other cultures and learn from the best.

“That can only be a good thing for Scottish football and our hopes of international success.”

Mr Lawrie said: “It’s not only the individuals that benefit from the programme, but their local community as well.

“Many players will no doubt raise their game and come back to dominate the sport on the world stage.”