HUNDREDS of schoolchildren from across East Renfrewshire enjoyed a football festival at Muirend Playing Fields.

More than 700 primary two and three pupils from 11 primary schools in the area took part in a Tesco Bank Football Challenge day on Wednesday, March 30.

The primary schools in attendance were: Braidbar Primary, Busby Primary, Crookfur Primary, St Cadoc’s Primary, Eaglesham Primary, Carolside Primary, Calderwood Lodge, Kirkhill Primary, Giffnock Primary, St Joseph’s Primary and Netherlee Primary.

They were the latest youngsters to get involved in the Scottish FA’s flagship participation programme, joining over 100,000 other kids from numerous schools throughout the country.

The UEFA Awarded Programme gives children the opportunity to play in four-on-four games, develop new skills and take on a series of footballing challenges.

It also provides additional training and support to more than 5,000 teachers through in-service courses, led by the Scottish FA, which ensure football and sporting activities continue in schools once the programme moves on.

John Gervaise, Scottish FA football development officer for East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: “The children from East Renfrewshire have spent the last few weeks having fun and learning new skills as part of our six-week coaching programme.

“We’re proud to be helping them become healthier, happier and more confident whilst promoting the importance of an active lifestyle.”

Tesco Bank’s Community Programme helps more than 70,000 children each year through its partnerships with the Scottish FA, The Reading Agency and the National Galleries of Scotland.

Chris Newton, community manager at Tesco Bank, said: “We’re very proud that over 100,000 children across every school in Scotland have now benefitted from our UEFA Awarded programme, which has seen children grow in confidence, develop their skills and be active.

“It was fantastic to see so many children from East Renfrewshire enjoying themselves.”