Budding football stars from a Rutherglen school are now dressed to impress after their newly-formed team was kitted out thanks to the help of two prominent supporters. St Mark’s Primary in Blairbeth has established a football team for senior pupils in primaries five to seven, driven by dedicated staff and community support. The enthusiastic young players are now preparing for their first tournaments, including the Landemer Cup as part of the town’s 900th anniversary celebrations.
The team has been gifted smart yellow and green match strips, training tops, waterproof jackets, and football equipment by local businessman Lord William Haughey and Alloa Athletic vice-chair Andrew Allan. Lord Haughey visited the school for a special assembly to share in the successes achieved so far.
Community Support Fuels New Football Programme
Principal teacher Lucy-Anne Livingston and class teacher Colm Devanney have led the establishment of the much-requested football programme. The delighted school staff said they were “amazed by the response” when seeking support to kick off the project. Lord Haughey, a member of the St Anthony’s & St Mark’s parish to which the school belongs, and Mr Allan not only provided funding but also connected the school with expert coaches from the SFA and SPFL, who have delivered invaluable activity sessions for the young players.
The pupils were “extremely excited” to welcome Lord Haughey to the Kirkriggs Avenue school to display their match kits and training equipment. They expressed that they “cannot wait to wear our new strips” at forthcoming tournaments, including the special edition of the Landemer Cup.
Positive Impact on Pupils
Principal teacher Mrs Livingston told the Rutherglen Reformer: “Our pupils have been asking for a football team for many years, and we have never had the funding or staff to provide one. Lord Haughey and Mr Allan have provided equipment and strips and have given their time and energy to help research the best approach for the pupils to make progress. We are so happy they have used their time and money to put something back into the community.”
She added, “Pupils wouldn’t be able to access the high standard of coaching they’re getting if it wasn’t for them. The SFA coaches are already having a massive impact on training and performance. They train once a week outdoors and have waterproof jackets, training tops, and kits so they can take part in all weathers.”
Mrs Livingston noted the monumental effect on the school: “It has been monumental for the school. We are so grateful to be given this amazing opportunity, which could open many doors for our young boys and girls. Some of our pupils have never attended football training before, and this is giving them a real chance to take part in something that matters to them while keeping fit and active. Teachers have also noticed that those attending training are more engaged in class and want to work hard so they can look forward to their football reward. They want to represent the school at these tournaments and want to do us proud.”
Future Plans and Community Involvement
Football training sessions are open to boys and girls in P5-7 at St Mark’s. The school would love to hear from parent helpers and other community members willing to get involved to keep the team playing for many seasons to come. Anyone interested can contact the school at 0141 634 4238.
