iStockA football coach from Rangers academy set-up is to be based at a Glasgow secondary school as part of a new initiative.
Whitehill Secondary School in Dennistoun has linked up with Rangers Soccer Academy in an effort to increase participation and physical activity.
The affiliation will see the Rangers coach work with over 70 pupils each week as part of a football academy.
A further six coaches will attend the school one afternoon per week for a games festival.
Rangers Soccer Academy will also aid the school in increasing engagement and attainment.
From August 2022, the on-going programme will be expanded with two Soccer Academy coaches being based in the school on a weekly basis.
Gary Gibson, head of soccer academies and international relations, expressed his excitement at the impact of the affiliation on young people.
“We are thrilled to be working with Whitehill Secondary School, which will see Rangers Soccer Academy coaches delivering football sessions on a weekly basis to will help increase school engagement, physical activity, attainment and allow us to deliver positive messages to the pupils after each session,” he said.
“I am excited to see the progress of the project in the coming months and the impact that it is having on the young people.
“We will continue to work closely with the school to develop and further enhance our offering. We are confident we have a model that could be replicated in other areas in the future.”
Leigh Anderson, depute head teacher at Whitehill Secondary School, welcomed the programme.
“As a school, we are proud to launch our football academy in affiliation with Rangers Soccer Academy and in partnership with our school community,” said Anderson.
“The programme will help develop our young people’s fitness, resilience, well-being and skills for life.”
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