ONE of East Renfrewshire's most famous sons has launched his own charity to use sport to give young people an equal start in life.

Scotland football captain Andy Robertson has named the charity AR26 – using his initials and the number he wears on his shirt when playing for club side Liverpool.

It will provide children across Scotland with access to free football training, support and job opportunities to ensure they have an 'equal playing field,' regardless of their gender, race or background.

A number of worthy causes will also benefit from support, including Back to SchoolBank East Renfrewshire, which makes sure local pupils can afford new uniforms and, during the winter, warm coats, hats and gloves.

Andy, who hails from Clarkston and went to school at St Ninian's High, in Giffnock, set up AR26 with his partner Rachel.

It will kick off with a 26-day countdown to Christmas that will bring some festive cheer to children and their families at a time when they need it most.

Andy, who earlier this month led Scotland's men's team to its first major tournament in 22 years, said: “Throughout my career, I have always tried to help support charities and good causes whenever I could but I wanted to do more.

“There are many parts of my life that make me feel blessed and privileged but without a doubt the most significant of all is the encouragement, help and support of a loving family, amazing friends and brilliant coaches.

"Without them – and without luck – my circumstances could have been so different.

“It’s because of this that I am excited and honoured to be part of an incredible team launching a charity focused on helping young people in Scotland.

"AR26 will look to provide support and opportunities for those who, through no fault of their own, feel left behind and, in some cases, abandoned.

“Opportunity should be a basic human right for everyone. To deny young people in Scotland equality of opportunity is to undermine our future. My own experiences have taught me that none of us can achieve anything on our own. We all need other people, we all need help, we all need support and, more than anything, we all need a chance.”

AR26 will run pilot projects that offer young people a safe place to go to learn new skills, as well as providing once-in-a-lifetime experiences to seriously-ill children.

A football academy will give children free training through community-run and after-school sessions to encourage them to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

There will also be access to further education, training and job opportunities.

Andy, 26, added: “I am extremely proud to be Scottish because of the values our country is built on. At our best, we are about solidarity, fighting for what’s right and looking after each other. AR26 has been set up based on those ideals.

"We want nothing more than to create a long-lasting positive impact on children and young people across Scotland. There’s an amazing team here at AR26 and I hope many more will join us in our journey.

"By coming together, we can make a difference to those who need it the most – especially at this time of the year.

“Christmas can be special but, for many families, the financial pressure or health uncertainties can make it a very stressful and worrying time.

“Starting this weekend, we hope to provide some additional support and meaningful experiences for families this festive season by donating to some amazing charities and projects each day in the run up to the 25th.

"If we can bring a smile to even just one person’s face this Christmas, then it will all be worth it.”

The Christmas donations will help 26 Scottish charities, including Back to SchoolBank East Renfrewshire and the Night Before Christmas Campaign.

For more information or to support AR26, visit www.ar26.org.uk or follow @AR26Charity on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.