Scotland captain's charity launches new football programme for Airdrie school pupils

Pupils from two Airdrie schools have been taking part in an education and life skills project run by a charity headed by Scotland captain Andy Robertson.

The group of 12 second- and third-year students from Airdrie Academy and St Margaret’s High have been attending special sessions at both New Broomfield and local firm Albert Bartlett through the Hope for Youths Goal initiative run by AR26 Charity.

Youngsters have been taking part in football training, been visited by guest speakers including project partners Police Scotland and had an insight into the world of work at the vegetable company’s Stirling Road factory headquarters.

The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.

The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.

Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android

The project is AR26’s second initiative in Airdrie, where the charity already runs weekly free football sessions along with similar free food and football camps during school holidays for youngsters aged six to 14 – which are also sponsored by Bartlett’s.

Now the new Goal alternative education programme – part of the Hope for Youths strand of the good cause’s work – engages participants through physical activity, life skills and encouraging youngsters to think about their choices and future, in a creative and engaging out-of-school setting.

It includes eight weeks of football training at Airdrie’s home ground followed by four day visits to at