Goal-den chance kicks off for area’s sporting teenagers

Nov 26 2008 by Graham Miller, Wishaw Press

THE successful Score Goals Initiative has kicked off for another season at Motherwell Football Club.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage young people taking part to develop self-respect, social and behavioural skills, a healthy lifestyle and also promote the benefits of teamwork by working together to achieve goals.

In all, 20 pupils from the Motherwell, Wishaw and Shotts areas are taking part in the project at Fir Park Stadium, Motherwell.

The course combines education, discipline and life skills, coupled with professional football coaching from Motherwell FC's coaches Scott Richardson and Brian MacDonald.

The Motherwell F.C. joint North and South Lanarkshire course began in October and will run until December 12, when the pupils will attend a presentation at Fir Park and receive a framed certificate from Motherwell manager Mark McGhee.

Constable Dougie Denholm from Strathclyde Police community safety department said: “The scheme at Motherwell FC has benefited many young people across North Lanarkshire and it is vital the scheme progresses from year to year.

“I am delighted to welcome on board our colleagues and pupils from South Lanarkshire who are taking part in their first ten-week programme after a successful six-weeks pilot programme earlier in the year.”

Motherwell FC's community coach and chief scout Bobby Jenks said: “We are committed to working with our partners to help young people in the community and we are keen to welcome youngsters from all over Lanarkshire to Motherwell Football Club. Score Goals can and does influence many young people’s development and that is why the courses are so successful.”