Castlehead HS in Paisley is one of six "Schools of Football" around the country - part of the Scottish FA's mission to encourage more people to play the game, more often.

The Scottish FA Schools of Football are about more than just playing ability, they aim to mould better citizens, as well as better footballers, through social and educational development.

As part of the programme, a group of pupils from across Renfrewshire were selected to attend Castlehead High School, to follow an enhanced timetable which includes a period of football activity every day.

Football is used as a tool to motivate the pupils, and their place on the School of Football programme depends on school attendance and academic improvement. The pupils are coached by Scottish FA Player and Coach Development Officer, Brian McLaughlin.

Players are selected on footballing ability as well as a range of other criteria. Scottish FA coaches lead the selection and football aspects, but the programme is very much a partnership with local authority education departments, school teachers, active schools co-ordinators and football development officers.

Throughout the programme, players have the opportunity to be talent identified by senior clubs involved in the Scottish FA Youth Initiative programme.

The School of Football at Castlehead High School started in

August 2008 currently there are 29 pupils taking part in the programme between 1st and 2nd year

The Scottish FA Schools of Football are supported by the Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities initiative.

St Mirren Youth Players enjoyed a break from pre season training as they train alongside the second year pupils at Castlehead High.

With this group of School of Football players entering into their final week of the programme and to thank the group for all their, hard work, dedication and commitment to both the football and academic part of the programme it was arranged for the group to observe and then take part in training over the watchful eye of Head of Youth Development, David Longwell.

The session took place at St Mirren’s Youth Academy in Ralston, where the School of Football pupils had the opportunity to make use of the excellent facilities made available. Steven Sweeney, Castlehead High’s School of Football Coach felt it was a great experience for all the boys and girls involved in the programme.  “For the pupils to have the chance to train alongside St Mirren’s Youth Team today was fantastic, this will motivate them all to continue working hard in the hope of achieving their potential in future years. This was made possible due to the strong relationship between the Scottish FA West Office, Castlehead High School and St Mirren FC.” All the pupils thoroughly enjoyed their final day of the programme and were delighted to receive their certificates at the end of the session.

Brian Mclaughlin, Scottish FA Player and Coach Development Officer said;” This has been a great day but also a sad day for both myself and Steven. To see this young group of players come together two years ago and to now look at them today, training and mixing with the youth players at St Mirren.

“This group has worked hard in all aspects of the programme. They have been fantastic role models in School and have represented the School in many activities out with Football.

“Although the group are now leaving the programme and moving into the third year at High School, we look forward to seeing their future development. Well done boys!”

A big thank you to all the players and staff at St Mirren for making this a memorable day for the players.