Tuesday, 24 April 2007 10:29

A total of 167 youngsters from throughout Argyll and Bute were put through their paces when they took part in a number of football festivals during the Easter holidays.

The three-day events were run by Argyll and Bute Council, and took place in Campbeltown, Lochgilphead, Oban, Mull, Helensburgh, Tighnabruaich, Rothesay, Islay and Tarbert.

Training was carried out by coaches who were trained by the Scottish Football Association (SFA), and the boys and girls who attended the sessions spent their time learning skills, techniques and new approaches to the game.

The youngsters, aged between five and 12, also took part in hurdles and speed training exercises using small parachutes.

Dylan Kerr, Argyll and Bute Council’s Football Development Officer, said: “The festivals were a huge success and the youngsters who attended put a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm into learning the skills of the game.

“These coaching sessions are held during the Easter, Summer and October school holidays and a large number of the kids come back again and again after being on one course.

“A lot of them bring their friends too, so the numbers are steadily growing.

“The Council promotes health and wellbeing, especially amongst the area’s young people, and these football festivals strongly contribute to that.

“I know a number of children who, before taking part in the festival, had never kicked a ball before. However, after attending the coaching sessions they have taken up football as a hobby.

“I’m now looking forward to the next festival in the summer and hope that attendance numbers continue to rise."