Paul McGinn believes Scottish Gas’ free football camps are vital in the mission to make football accessible for all in Scotland.
The Motherwell captain was a special guest in his local community this week, as the defender attended one of the 120 free week-long football camps taking place throughout the 24/25 football season.
The initiative is a key pillar of Scottish Gas’ partnership with the Scottish FA, which will also see the provision of 48 PARA Football Festivals take place over the duration of 2024/25.
Brought to life in collaboration with football clubs across the country, the Scottish Gas Football Camps are giving children from all socio-economic backgrounds free access to football during the school holidays.
Free lunch is also provided for participants to help tackle the rising issue of holiday hunger and ease the pressure on parents while their children are not in school.
The programme is projected to reach over 850 participants at 33 regional locations in Scotland during the October half-term period.
Motherwell captain Paul McGinn, who took part in a coaching session with Motherwell Community Trust, said: “It’s been fantastic to be down at the Scottish Gas Football Camp and see all the boys and girls enjoying the session – the standard has been high. Initiatives such as this are massive for the local community and it’s everything I would’ve wanted when growing up.
“This week might be a catalyst for these kids to go on play football for the rest of their lives or pick it up as a hobby, which will make a massive difference to their physical and mental health.”
In its maiden year during the 2023/24 season, over 6,000 children gained access to the initiative and more than 1,000 disabled children were engaged through Scottish Gas’ PARA Football Festivals.
Find out more about Scottish Gas Football Camps and Para Football Festivals here: https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish-cup/scottish-gas-hub/camps/
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