On Monday 9 June, Glasgow Green Football Centre hosted a football challenge match between Anderston (over 16s) and Dalmarnock Youth Project.

After a pulsating 0-0 draw at 90 minutes, penalty kicks had to be used to separate the teams with Dalmarnock going on to win 5-3.
The challenge match was a culmination to a football coaching programme delivered by Culture and Sport Glasgow in collaboration with Strathclyde Police.

The programme, developed in response to a request from Anderston Councillor Philip Braat and community officers Stephanie Rose and Derek Bowman, offered a free programme of fitness and skills development to young people at St.Patrick’s Primary school pitches.
Cllr Braat said, “Since my election, a lot of young people in Anderston have told me that there is not much for them to do.

Despite its proximity to the city centre, there is a lack of facilities for both young and old in Anderston. I have been trying to re-address this by instigating the Anderston Winter Festival and other community focus activities. When I heard of the previous scheme, I was keen to resurrect this with the help of the dedicated local community police and CLS. It is a great opportunity for the young people of Anderston to take part in physical activity and feel a sense of pride and achievement.”

Since the initial set up, young people, through their own hard work, now have their own team kit and have secured sponsorship from the Ashoka Restaurant chain.

The group need ongoing support and are actively seeking a coach/manager to take them forward.

If you think you have the necessary skills and free time to support the group, please contact Ian McKnight (Culture and Sport Glasgow) on 0141 339 7220 or by e-mail: ian.mcknight@csglasgow.org