As well as working significantly with local schools on a number of projects in the Community Programme, Ayr United Football Academy also supports the SFA School of Football, which is funded by the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities initiative.
AUFA has been involved since August 2008 in the School of Football at Cumnock Academy which was one of the initial 6 schools chosen in Scotland. Delivery during the school week was split between the 3 partners, with AUFA and Kilmarnock FC delivering 2 days each and the SFA 1 day.
The good news is that a new School of Football has now been established at Prestwick Academy, within the South Ayrshire Council area, the partners being Ayr United Football Academy, the Scottish Football Association and South Ayrshire Council. The initial programme will be accepting pupils registered in the Prestwick Academy catchment area, but the possibility exists for the future placement of other pupils with specific football ability.
The initial intake of pupils has been chosen from each of Prestwick Academy’s associated Primary Schools through an evaluation of their playing ability by AUFA coaches.
AUFA will provide coaching for 4 Days and the SFA for 1 day during the school year.
The pupils will now follow an enhanced timetable which includes a period of football activity each day. While football is used as a tool to motivate the pupils, their place on the School of Football programme will depend on school attendance and academic improvement.
Players will take part in football sessions designed to improve their individual ability, such as technique development, speed & agility, balance & co-ordination with flexibility and recovery sessions.
The 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.
The project at Cumnock Academy has been met with extremely positive reviews from parents, pupils, teachers, coaches and those from other backgrounds who have been looking on in interest. The improvement in the pupils’ physical abilities, behaviour, concentration and communication have all been highlighted as particular successes.
The School of Football delivered at Cumnock Academy in East Ayrshire will in future be delivered without AUFA involvement due to this new initiative in South Ayrshire; however it is anticipated that the new School of Football at Prestwick Academy delivered by AUFA and the SFA will follow the example set at Cumnock.
The project will remain a social and academic development programme. Whilst there may be talented players involved, it will continue to be a holistic initiative designed to develop the person first and the player second.
Throughout the programme, players have the opportunity to be identified by senior clubs involved in the Scottish FA Youth Initiative programme.
