Balls for all: Charitable school kids dribble all the way from Scotstoun to Hampden

Every single primary school class in Glasgow will receive a brand new football ahead of the Euros – thanks to 20 fundraising footy hopefuls who dribbled a ball all the way from Scotstoun to Hampden!

Article Source: On The Ball Academy
Last Updated: 4 June 2024 15:16

Image © Gibson Digital 2024

The event was part of the charity efforts of Scotstoun-based football hub On The Ball Academy who have pledged to raise £15,000 to gift 1,095 footballs before Scotland face Germany in Munich – which is 1,095 miles away from Glasgow – on June 14.

Founder and CEO Ryan Docherty, who joined the soccer starlets on their day of dribbling. played in the same Celtic youth team as Aiden McGeady and Charlie Mulgrew under the tutelage of the legendary Tommy Burns before giving up on his own footballing dreams to dedicate his life to improving the lives of young Scots through football.

He hopes this initiative, which is delivered in partnership with Glasgow City Council’s education department, will create a legacy for children in the city in the lead up to Euro 2024.

The 37-year-old, who is also head coach at Pollok FC, said: “There will be a lot of passion and enthusiasm from young Scots for football this summer – we don’t want anything to stand in the way of that.

“There are a lot of circumstances that can cause young people to take the wrong path. Through football, we want to support the community and help to transform lives, helping children across Glasgow overcome the challenges they face.

“Giving kids a ball seems like a small gesture, but resources are stretched and these balls will be played with by thousands and thousands of kids, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds. This is opening the door to the positive life experiences football can bring, it’s about so much more than just about finding the next Andy Robertson – although that would be great too!”

Ryan, who holds a UEFA A License and UEFA A Elite youth licence, added: “We’re proud to be involved in this project with Glasgow City Council and couldn’t be more grateful for their support in making sure we can get the balls to the kids before kick-off of Scotland’s first game.”

Last year, the academy launched an employability programme to provide jobs for school leavers across the north west of Glasgow, and a clothes collection initiative which donated more than x bags of cold weather kit and boots during winter to benefit local children in need.

On The Ball, which delivers more than 1,000 free hours of coaching each year, serves as a feeder club to some of Scotland’s biggest professional clubs, with 25 of its members going into the professional environment at clubs including Rangers and Celtic.

Next Friday (June 14) on the opening day of the Championships, On the Ball will host a school festival for primary 7 pupils across Glasgow, facilitating football for more than 600 kids, including 150 young people with disabilities and additional support needs.

To find out more, visit www.ontheballacademy.co.uk

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Strictly champ Ore Oduba joins Picture You Dead ahead of performances at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

See the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.

Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.

Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.

Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.

Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.

Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!

Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT

Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.

Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.

This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!

Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location

Lychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.

Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.

PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!

Calling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!

Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations

Glasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.

Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.

Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!

The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly

Scotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!

Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow

Due to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.

Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers

Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!

Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year

Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.

30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025

The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!

Line up announced for Laugh In The Park

Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!

Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!

Strictly star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Fawlty Towers

Casting announced for the critically acclaimed production of Fawlty Towers - The Play, coming to Glasgow's King's Theatre in January!

New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday

Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

A new culinary destination has opened at Tarbet, Loch Lomond

Lomond Leisure Group is delighted to announce the opening of Kirk O'The Lochs, a distinctive restaurant and bar nestled in a beautifully restored historic church in Tarbet, Loch Lomond.

Full cast announced for 2:22 A Ghost Story

The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to announce the full 2025 cast for the UK tour of the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story.

New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.

Dog lovers alert for a fun day out at Loch Lomond

Top Dogs at Loch Lomond Shores is back on Saturday 3rd May with its fun competitions, expert advice and dog-friendly products including accessories, pupcakes and much more!

Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.