Published: Thursday, 6th March, 2008 10:00
'Fantastic' result for Kick Start kids
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AFTER three months spent learning about life on and off the football pitch, nine Tranent schoolkids are facing the future with greater confidence.
The success of Ross High School’s Kick Start programme, supported by Hibernian Football Club, East Lothian Council’s community liaison team and development workers at Tranent’s Recharge facility, culminated in the graduation of nine S2 pupils – three girls and six boys – on Tuesday evening.
The aim of the 12-week learning programme was to use football to help the children “re-engage with education and employment”.
Hibs captain Rob Jones, who also delivered workshops for the pupils during the scheme, attended the youngsters’ official graduation and presented them with Kick Start certificates to mark their achievement.
Alan Bell, project manager at Recharge, believes the initiative has been an invaluable experience for the youngsters – who had to undergo a rigorous interview process for entry to the scheme.
He said: “I have seen a dramatic improvement in the pupils’ behaviour and also major developments in their life skills.
“With Hibs being involved it has given an additional opportunity and incentive for these young people to get involved and achieve on the programme as they have really struggled in previous groups.
“The journey the young people have made is fantastic and is down to all their hard work – so well done to all the participants.”
Every Tuesday, the children spent an hour at the Recharge centre, in Church Street, Tranent, before heading back to school for a football lesson from a professional Hibernian coach.
Ross High was the first East Lothian school to take part in the nationwide education initiative.
A Hibs spokesman said: “This initiative has proved to be a big success with participants. We wish the youngsters well in their journey ahead and hope that they take on board everything they have learned over the past few months.”
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