Isles schools get their kicks out of fun football sessions!

The Council and Scottish Football Association’s (SFA) ongoing Isles Community Programme got the Royal seal of approval from one Stronsay school pupil who declared: “If I was King, I would have football sessions every day!” 

Whilst the participating school pupils shared having a great time during the fun football sessions, the SFA coaches did too! North Regional Manager, Graeme Sutherland, said: "All nine schools visited during our three trips have been very welcoming and appreciative of us making the effort to come out. 

“We were happy to be able to offer the children something slightly different to participate in and this time round in Stronsay, North Ronaldsay and North Walls, they have been like any other group, enthusiastic and gave us their full effort and looked like they were having fun. Lots of children and families are keen to keep active and seem intent on being in Kirkwall at some point when the Island Games are in full swing!” 

Kudos to the school kitchens too, with the coaches reporting back that the “school dinners were magic!” 

Graeme and his coach colleague, Brent Bruce, have been running the fun football sessions alongside the Council’s Active Schools & Community Sports Team over the past year in many of Orkney’s island communities. 

In addition, teachers have been learning more about the SFA ‘Learning through Football’ app, allowing schools to continue developing their skills and knowledge of football. Check out:  https://learningthroughfootball.scottishfa.co.uk/ 

Tom Huggard, Principal Teacher, North Ronaldsay School, said: “We had a super visit from Graeme and Brent on Friday. Our P1-6 pupils had great fun playing football, learning new skills and working with the coaches in the classroom.” 

Some of the Stronsay pupils who took part said: 

“We want more football sessions!” 

“The team games were so much fun!” 

“The coaches were great!” 

“We loved the “sleeping giant” game!” 

OIC Team Manager, Sport and Leisure, Katell Roche, said: “We are delighted with the support and funding the SFA has offered to make this fantastic programme happen. Reaching the isles through sport is so important and we are grateful when partners like the SFA take such a proactive approach.”  

Active Schools Co-ordinator, Michael Swanney, said: “Whilst we are encouraging everyone in the isles to get active, with just a few months to go until Orkney 2025, we want to ensure all communities across Orkney are engaged, enthusiastic and excited to welcome the Island Games to our shores. 

“It’s very important to be as inclusive as possible in terms of all our work so we have been delighted to see so many faces enjoying this programme in the isles.”     

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer said: “I am delighted to read the children’s positive comments around the programme. 

“As we move ever closer to Orkney 2025, excitement is mounting and encouraging everyone to get involved with the biggest event ever hosted in Orkney is crucial not just to the success of the Games, but also for getting our children active from an early age and instilling those good habits.”