PUPILS from Dunbar Primary School swapped the classroom for the national stadium this week as they took part in the Tesco Bank Football Challenge’s national festival.

The youngsters took part in games as the scheme celebrated its conclusion at Hampden Park, Glasgow, while they also met Brighton & Hove Albion player Jamie Murphy.

He was delighted to see so many youngsters playing the game and said: “It has been a fantastic day here at Hampden and it’s brilliant to see so many boys and girls having fun playing football on the pitch.

“The Tesco Bank Football Challenge initiative helps to instil the importance of an active lifestyle at an early age and also gives children memories they’ll remember for a long time to come. I’m delighted to have been able to come along and see the programme in action.”

Jim Fleeting, director of football development at the Scottish Football Association, added: “The Tesco Bank Football Challenge National Festival at Hampden Park is always a great event to be involved with.

“The initiative encourages children to have fun with football, whilst developing a range of physical and social skills, and today’s event is a celebration of the hard work that has been going on all around the country.”

And Adele Mills, senior community investment manager at Tesco Bank, said: “We’re delighted to bring children from Dunbar Primary School to Hampden Park for a day of football and fun.

“Helping to instil positive, healthy lifestyle habits in all the children that take part in the initiative is a key part of our community programme, and the national festival is a fantastic setting to inspire children to get active and have fun with their friends.”