Football camp provides much needed outlet for our kids

At this time of year, Easter sports camps are a staple of the calendar across communities.

Sadly the Covid-19 pandemic forced a wipe out across the board in 2020.

Now, 12 months on, the gradual lifting of restrictions on sport have come at just the right time to get the area’s children back out and playing sport with their friends.

Glenrothes FC have been at the forefront of providing an opportunity to play, with the club this week hosting a free football camp at the Warout.

Senior team manager John Martin has been involved in its running, along with the club’s Young Glens coaches, who have been giving up their time for free .

Martin said: “The kids will probably never come across this again in their lifetime, to be stuck in a house, so it’s good to get them back out, to see them smiling again and enjoying their football.

"It makes us happy as coaches."We wanted to do the camp last year but obviously Covid-19 kicked in.

"We sat down and wanted to create a free camp to give something back to the community and give them an opportunity to enjoy football.

"There should be a place for everybody to be able to play football.

"We’ve been down at the Warout and a special thanks has to go to the Young Glens coaches as well.

"Not only are they coaching their own teams from Monday to Friday, and then playing at the weekend, they’re giving up their time at the Easter holidays and spending three hours a day at the camp.”

The Young Glens started two years ago to provide affordable football coaching for the community.

Nine youth teams have been built up in that time, offering a pathway through the age groups for young players.

Martin praised the contribution made by local businesses, who have assisted with sponsorship, to provide kits to the players.

Businesses and community organisations have also helped provide refreshments for the camp, with the Glens thankful to Glenrothes Foodbank, FDL and Seal & Save for their contributions.