Ayr United kick off Everybody Active initiative

Jan 30 2009

EVERYBODY Active was the theme of the day at Somerset Park as Ayr United’s Football in the Community team launched the new initiative.

And to kick start the programme, 40 young footballers with additional support needs attended a coaching session and enjoyed a tour of Somerset, a fitting end to the first block of football coaching that they have received over the last 20 weeks of 2008.

The young players also asked some tough questions for United manager Brian Reid and player Scott Agnew. Reid was delighted to support the new initiative, while Agnew doubles up as one of the community coaches.

The programme will run for a further two years and will provide young players not only with football sessions in and out of their schools but also the opportunity to play for an Ayr United disability team in the near future.

The programme is a partnership between many agencies including Ayr United Football Academy, South Ayrshire Council, the SFA, NHS, Robertson Trust, Ayrshire Sports ability and the Clydesdale Bank. David White, football development officer, said: “The response from schools, teachers and organisations has been overwhelming.

“Sport can be very important in helping individuals achieve their goals and the Everybody Active programme is the first sustainable football programme for this target group within South Ayrshire for a long time. Due to the partners’ support, we can offer football to these young players for 2½ years".