World Cup excitement helps 250 Glasgow kids learn through football

2
Skip to next photo
1/1
Show caption
1/1
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

World cup excitement in Glasgow school children is being capitalised on to combine football with learning new facts in the Southside.

About 250 children from five schools gathered at Nethercraigs Sports Complex today in Corkerhill to practice their skills and share what they have learned in the build-up to the game with Haiti.

The approach has had results with one child who struggled to engage in the classroom enthusiastically taking part in the football-themed lessons.

Glasgow schools kids took part in a day full of footballGlasgow schools kids took part in a day full of football (Image: Supplied)

The work saw sports leaders from Cardonald Primary and other schools passing on information as they count down the days until the Scotland team kick off.

Cardonald Primary pupil Zac, 11, said: “I’m looking forward to it a lot. I think we are going to get to the round of 16.”

Bethany, 11, said: “We are a really good team. This Scotland team are the best there has been.”

Eilidh, 12, shared her research into digital addiction as part of the UEFA Take Care Programme, which uses the power of football to promote healthier lifestyles and positive habits. She spoke about alternatives to screen time, including drawing, music and board games.

Eilidh said: “I chose digital addiction as it is a topical subject. Football gets you off the phone. Many people are on their phones. 93% of people in the UK have a phone by the age of 12.”

The primaries local to Pollok United taking part were  St.Marnock’s  Mosspark, St.Bernard’s,  Gowanbank and Cardonald.

Principal teacher Diane Strang described the UEFA programme as a “super resource” and said it also has “tips for parents.”

Glasgow schools kids took part in a day full of footballGlasgow schools kids took part in a day full of football (Image: Supplied)

Bailie Soryia Siddique came along to see the work taking place.

Councillor Siddique said: “It is a fantastic event. Well done to all the kids. We look forward to seeing Scotland win. It is great seeing the learning taking place and good to see girls playing football.”

Active schools co-ordinator Claire Clark said the event is about learning through football.

She pointed out it helps enable some learners who would struggle in a classroom setting to become more engaged.

Claire gave an example of one boy who loved the research as it was linked to football.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos