CLUBS TO OPEN THEIR DOORS FOR LEAGUE CUP OPENER

Free coaching and entry to the match for children under 16 as part of Scottish Communities League Cup Community Day

This Saturday (Saturday, 30^th July 2011) all host clubs in the Scottish Communities League Cup (SCLC) are set to open their doors to their local communities on for a special, one-off Community Day.

The SCLC Community Day sees Scottish Football League clubs work in partnership with the Scottish Government to increase opportunities in sport and physical activity for young people in the community, encouraging positive behaviour and promoting the three values of Respect, Responsibility and Tolerance to football fans and families throughout Scotland.

Young people are invited along to take part in a mix of free pre-match coaching with the community football staff at the host club or some family fun and games set up by the Clubs community teams. This will be managed on a first come first served basis with limited space for coaching and is open to supporters of both teams contesting SCLC 1^st round ties.

Furthermore, up to six children under the age of 16 can attend the clubs Scottish Communities League Cup 1^st round tie free of charge, providing they are accompanied by one paying adult.

Shona Robinson, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, said: “The Scottish Government have made a commitment to expand existing community work and back clubs, authorities, and police in tackling unacceptable behavior, as part of a package of measures building on the commitment made at the Football Summit in March. It’s great see local clubs, who are the heart of the game, working with young people to promote Respect, Responsibility and Tolerance within football.”

SFL Chief Executive, David Longmuir said: “We are delighted to be part of this season’s Community Club day. The Scottish Communities League Cup offers a fantastic opportunity for children to spend an enjoyable day at their local football club whilst learning about three important messages aligned to our national game – respect, responsibility and tolerance.”

The £1million Communities League Cup sponsorship scheme links SFL clubs to their local communities and supports the role clubs can play in encouraging physical activity and positive behaviour, opening up their facilities and through Active Schools and CashBack programmes, as well as promoting positive role models and community ambassadors.

The partnership between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Football League promotes all that’s good about Scotland’s national game and puts local football clubs back at the heart of Scotland’s communities. The Scottish Government has invested £41 million to CashBack for Communities projects since 2007 with over £12.35 million committed to football until 2014.