Shamed former SPFL player James Keatings has launched his own kids football school less than a year after being released from prison for money laundering. The 34-year-old, who played for Hearts and Hibs, was jailed last year after being caught transporting £400,000 in dirty cash for criminals. He received a 13-month sentence but was freed after just two months in December.
New academy aims to give back
Keatings has now started his 19 Football Academy, named after his playing number. In a launch message online, he wrote: "Football has given me so much over the years. Now it's time to use those experiences to give something back."
He added: "The aim is simple, to create a positive environment where young players can develop their game, build confidence and receive the individual attention they need, while most importantly having fun, enjoying their football and developing a real love for the game."
The academy is based in North Lanarkshire and offers "small group training, attacking master class and one-to-one coaching".
Support from Motherwell star
The project has received backing from Motherwell player Stephen O'Donnell, who played with Keatings at youth level. O'Donnell, also 34, offered a signed Scotland shirt from the 2021 clash with the Czech Republic as a prize to help boost the academy's social media following.
Keatings said: "A massive thank you to everyone who has followed, shared and supported the page already. It's all hugely appreciated."
Crime and conviction details
The ex-Celtic youth player pleaded guilty to possessing and transferring criminal property. He was arrested after a tip-off to the National Crime Agency about a large dirty cash handover in a street in Wishaw, Lanarkshire.
Officers watched a white Mercedes van arrive and park. Minutes later, Keatings appeared in a white Ford Transit, parked next to the Mercedes, and "got out and removed two weighty boxes from his van and put them in the rear of the Mercedes". Police later seized £400,000 in cash.
Falkirk Sheriff Court heard he had been drawn into crime after a hip injury at 27 left him in chronic pain. He began playing at lower levels before quitting football altogether and learning a trade as a plasterer. Keatings refused to comment.
