Football

Football is the most popular sport in Glasgow schools, engaging a large number of pupils from primary to secondary level. The programmes not only enhance sporting skills but also build essential life skills such as confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Key Programmes & Opportunities

Out of School Hours Sessions:

  • Over 5,846 sessions were delivered in 2023/2024, complementing regular school fixtures.
  • These sessions recorded an impressive 103,281 visits/attendance, highlighting high levels of engagement.
  • There are also 93 school-to-football club links through 21 football clubs, which strengthen partnerships between schools and local football clubs, providing enhanced pathways for skill development and club participation.

Soccer 4 (Primary Focus):

Programme Scope:

  • Delivered to all Primary 4 classes across the city as part of a city-wide football development coaching initiative.
  • Focuses on an introduction to football, emphasising key skills such as fitness, coordination, agility, teamwork, sportsmanship and respect.
  • Sessions are coordinated and led by Glasgow Sport coaches who are Scottish FA and UEFA qualified.
  • Class teachers are actively involved to gain hands-on experience with the Soccer 4 curriculum for their own professional development.
  • Additional CPD opportunities in football coaching are provided to school staff through the programme.

2023/2024 statistics:

  • 139 Schools Involved
  • 257 Classes participating within a 6-week block
  • 1,542 Total Sessions Delivered
  • 5,926 Pupils Participating
  • 35,556 Total Participant Sessions over the 6-week period

Out-of-School Girls & Boys Leagues:

Soccer G:

  • A competitive girls’ 7-a-side league for S1–S4 hosted at Toryglen Football Centre.
  • Involves 14 teams (approximately 140 girls) competing in autumn and spring leagues, supplemented by winter and summer festival competitions.

Soccer 1:

  • A boys’ 7-a-side league for S1 at Toryglen Football Centre.
  • Comprises 12 teams (around 120 boys) competing in a similar league and festival structure.

Both leagues are delivered in collaboration with the Glasgow Sport Football Development Team, Modern Apprentices and FHE partnerships.

Glasgow Schools Football Association (GSFA) League:

  • The largest schools football association in the country, offering organised football for both primary and secondary levels.
  • Involves 77 secondary schools’ teams across five competitive divisions, with structured league and cup competitions.
  • Provides additional pathways for representative team selection and maintains links with the Scottish Schools’ Football Association.

PEPASS Active Schools P6/P7 Primary Games Programme:

  • Offers primary school teams the chance to play organised games at eight venues city-wide.
  • Engages 82 school teams and approximately 820 children, including mixed and girls-only opportunities.
  • Features regular sessions as well as city-wide festivals.

Football Leadership & Coach Development:

  • Glasgow Sport Football Development Officers deliver leadership courses to S4–S6 Sport Leaders and Modern Apprentices.
  • In 2023/2024, over 250 Sport Leaders from 14 secondary schools received CPD training to bolster their coaching skills.
  • Additional coaching qualifications are pursued through the Scottish FA Coach Education Programme.

Impact of Football Programmes

  • Skill & Personal Development: The diverse range of programmes helps develop physical fitness along with crucial life skills such as confidence, coordination, teamwork, and respect.
  • Gender Inclusivity: Initiatives like Soccer G are fostering increased engagement among girls. Girls football participation is growing rapidly within Glasgow.
  • Community & Competitive Spirit: With over 103,281 attendances at out of school sessions, along with 93 school-to-club links, pupils have ample opportunities for competitive play, social interaction and enhanced access to club-level pathways.
  • Capacity Building: The extensive CPD and leadership training for teachers and pupils ensure a lasting impact on schools’ football coaching and sport leadership, supporting the sustained growth of the sport across schools.
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