Time to banish this national disgrace
FORMER Scotland winger Andy McLaren claims it is “a national disgrace” that thousands of children in Scotland can’t afford to play football, insisting that the Holyrood government and the SFA must do more to help kids from deprived areas.
McLaren, who helped Dundee United win the Scottish Cup for the first time in 1994, suffered abuse as a child which later led to problems with drugs and alcohol.
Since hanging up his boots in 2009, he has formed A& M Scotland, an organisation which helps to give youngsters access to games and also provides presentations on problems they might face away from football.
A week today he will take part in a fund-raising match at Hamilton’s Superseal Stadium which will feature former Old Firm and international stars.
“I’m more proud of what I do now than I was of what I achieved during my playing career because I’m working with 2500 young people a week and I can see the impact it has on them,” said the 44-year-old.
“Ordinarily, those kids wouldn’t have access to football or other sports or dance. We’ve already had a few success stories with young people going to university, so it’s not just about the football.
“This is about trying to improve young people’s lives. Football is just the hook to get them on board. We want to get them fitter and healthier and help open up a few more avenues for them.”
McLaren claims that the national team would eventually benefit if the SFA did more to help kids on the poverty line.
“If you’ve got two or three kids who are playing for teams it can cost you £40 a week – that’s a mortgage. And, in the areas we’re working in, that’s out of reach of most people.
“Some of the parents who come to our sites are visiting food banks. Where are they going to find that money from?” he asked.
“For me, it’s about providing a level playing field – it shouldn’t be about how much or how little money you have.
“Traditionally, the best footballers have been workingclass kids and, for me, it’s a national disgrace if one child can’t afford to play football. That’s one too many.