Hoping for Wishaw Football Festivals success

Feb 3 2010 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

SCHOOL janitor Paul McArthur is hoping this year’s Wishaw Football Festivals will prove just as successful as in recent years.

For five years, Paul has taken it upon himself to organise the highly popular events, where young footballers from all 13 primary schools in the area enjoy fortnightly kickabouts at Wishaw Sports Centre, with the cream of the talent even getting the opportunity to try their luck at professional clubs.

Funded by the schools who participate, the festivals run from March to June and again from August to October.

“Football has been a big part of my life since I was eight,” said Paul, who works at Lammermoor Primary School.

“When the council were looking for people to help run the festivals I was delighted to volunteer and I have enjoyed it ever since. Kids need all the help and encouragement they can to get involved in sport and that is one of the reasons I got involved.”

He continued: “The organising of the festivals involves contacting all the schools on a regular basis to work out numbers for the next festival.

“Then I book pitches, sort out referees for the games and even wash my own school’s football strips. It’s all worth it.”

Paul (43) was a former youth player with Motherwell and also played for Queen’s Park as well as a host of junior teams including Shotts Bon Accord, Carluke Rovers, Lanark United, Lesmahagow and Larkhall Thistle.

Due to work commitments, his career was cut short but he turns out regularly for Wishaw High School FPs’ over-35 side. However, his main priority these days is getting kids to participate in sport as much as possible at Lammermoor Primary School, Coltness High School and at the football festivals.

Having played football at a relatively high standard, Paul has an eye for talent and is in regular contact with former teammate Gordon Young, youth development officer at Motherwell.

Paul said: “Gordon told me he would send a scout to have a look at any players I thought showed great potential at the football festivals.

“Last year, Young signed up Wishaw kid David Turnbull, who I first spotted having a kickabout with his classmates in the playground at Lammermoor Primary School. Another talented player is currently being looked at by Motherwell.”

He added: “Around 100 kids turned up to each football festival last year and I’m hoping this year will be no different.”