The Scottish FA have announced a new partnership with Children 1st.
The official charity partnership will harness the power of football to help children and families across Scotland enjoy, safer, happier and healthier lives.
Alana, Denon, Ellie, Keiran, Matthew and Mya from Granton Primary School, Edinburgh joined the Scotland national team and Children 1st to launch the partnership as the squad stepped up preparations for the double-header against Israel and Portugal this week.
Children 1st work with the school to provide money advice and family support to local families.
Last year the charity worked alongside 10,000 children and families in communities across Scotland facing difficulties, such as abuse, neglect, violence and poverty.
Through local and national services, including Parentline and Safeguarding in Sport, Children 1st work with children, their families and communities to strengthen their ability to cope, to support them to recover from trauma and to help them keep children safe.
The official charity partnership will see Scottish football get behind Children 1st’s ambition to double the children and families it reaches by 2023, through the Give A Child their Smile Back campaign.
Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive of the Scottish FA said: “Children 1st’s work in ensuring Scotland’s children and families enjoy the best start possible is to be applauded and we are delighted to enter into this charity partnership with them.”
Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children 1st said: “Football can be an incredible force for good.
“Going to a big game, playing in the local team or having a kick about in the park can build children’s confidence, strengthen their relationships and boost their wellbeing – all of which makes a positive difference if a child faces tough times.
“By bringing the nation’s favourite sport together with Scotland’s national children’s charity we can help thousands more children and families across the country. We’re delighted to be working with the Scottish FA to raise awareness, understanding and support from across the footballing community so that children are happier, safer and can make the most of their lives.”
Matthew, from Granton Primary school added: “It was a brilliant afternoon. The best bit was scoring a goal against Craig Gordon.”
For more information on Children 1st, including how to donate to their Give A Child Their Smile Back campaign, please visit www.children1st.org.uk
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
