Performance School

As part of the Scottish FA’s Performance Strategy, seven schools throughout the country have been operating the programme for four years to develop the cream of Scotland’s talented young footballers.

There, they will marry their football education with their normal curriculum as part of the Scottish FA’s commitment to talented player development.

Each school has a full-time coach to work in conjunction with the clubs and the school to enhance their technical skills at a key stage of their development and support the academic potential of the players.

Former professional players Brian McLaughlin, Ian Ross, Iain Jenkins, Greg Miller and James Grady have all been assigned to schools. Andrew Goldie and Stuart Glennie bring a wealth of experience in youth coaching to complete the team.

Every year, each school will take a number of the most talented under-12 players in their region – both boys and girls – and provide extra coaching sessions during the curriculum focusing on skills development. Over a four-year period, this will provide the most talented young footballers throughout the country with an extra 800 hours of coaching.

A series of football festivals involving senior clubs, scouting reports, club reports and selection days will help the performance team to identify the best players eligible for each school in time for August 2019 enrolment.

Scottish FA Performance Director, Brian McClair said: “In partnership with the clubs, the Regional Performance Schools have increased the opportunities for young players to practice the fundamental elements of our national game, all in a safe, enthusiastic and enjoyable environment that encourages and supports diligence, discipline and creativity.”

Performance schools are designed for Primary 7 pupils entering S1 in August 2019.

(Please note this programme is for players that are eligible to play for Scotland)