Net gains for all as Fort FC engage with school community
Fort William FC have made yet another move to engage with the up and coming footballers of Lochaber by running their school football sessions, writes Peter Newman.
First team manager Alan Gray worked in partnership with High Life Highland Active Schools and oversaw both primary and secondary days for pupils.
Held on Sunday February 19 and assisted by first team defender Mohamed Kebe, Gray worked with the primary pupils on skills drills and fun games before moving into games for the second half. Thirty youngsters braved the weather as they looked to hone their skills. On the
Tuesday it was the turn of 22 secondary-age pupils to be put through their paces playing small-sided games. Gray was assisted by first team goalkeeper Kit “Fletch” Fletcher as well as defender and club captain Mikey Rodgers.
Gray, who is himself employed by High Life Highland as an Active Schools coordinator, said: “It is so important that we keep trying to give something back to the community as a club.
“I know how important it is to see locals out on the park and having both the first teamers and local football figures of the stature of Albie Robertson and Kachise Cavanagh volunteering their time, as they did to coach the primary session, is huge for this area.
“The weather was awful on the Sunday which was a shame but the kids were excellent.
“You just can’t overstate how important it is to provide opportunities for young people.
"And with both mental and physical health on the agenda all the time now it is vital that as a football club rooted in our community we grasp every opportunity to do something positive for the young people."
Gray also thanked Colin “Woody” Wood who provided food on the Sunday.
“Generosity like that is what we want people to think of when they think of Fort William FC,” he added.