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
A new plan has been introduced by Glasgow Life to safeguard, strengthen and celebrate Gaelic language, arts, music and culture in Glasgow.
READ MOREGlasgow's food scene is about to welcome an exciting new player as award-winning burger chef announces exciting new fried chicken venture, Birds!
READ MOREThe Glasgow cocktail bar and Social Darts experience is paying homage to the tequila-based cocktail for an entire month with its new limited-edition menu.
READ MOREThe initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.
READ MOREThe Noble is set to open in Glasgow's city centre on 19th of February at 8am with booking lines now open.
READ MOREScotland's largest network of health and fitness centres, Glasgow Club – which is operated by Glasgow Life – celebrates its 25th anniversary on Valentine's Day.
READ MORESet to be this year’s Barbenheimer, the two hotly anticipated films will be shown across a range of formats at Cineworld, where spectacular offers and merch will make your date night unforgettable.
READ MORETo celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!
READ MORECommunities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.
READ MOREThe Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.
READ MOREThe Rocky Horror Show has once again cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, with the 2024/2025 tour being the most successful ever staged in the show's 50+ year history!
READ MOREThree local causes and community initiatives have received financial support from Glasgow shopping centre Buchanan Galleries to help them continue to make a difference.
READ MOREGlasgow International Comedy Festival have revealed 2025's judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, plus announced the first names for this year's Comedy Gala!
READ MORERockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has today announced more acts taking to the stage at this summer's Glasgow Green extravaganza!
READ MOREThe Scottish Wedding Show, is preparing for take-off and getting ready to welcome thousands of engaged couples to the SEC, Glasgow from 22-23 February to help them plan their wedding!
READ MORELegendary rock singer Roger Daltrey has announced Linka Moja as the special guest who will be joining him on his UK tour in April and May.
READ MOREEasterhouse charity, FARE Scotland, has revealed the number of donations collected from Glasgow Fort as part of its annual toy appeal.
READ MOREOffering a gift like no other, mums could see their faces displayed across the cities on the side of the First Bus fleet!
READ MORETHE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
READ MOREHere's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!
READ MOREGlasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) has announced a special tribute show for comedian Janey Godley, 'An Afternoon for Janey', which will raise funds for two charities.
READ MOREAward winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.
READ MOREDon't miss this rare opportunity to spend an evening with Sir Chris Hoy, one of Great Britain's most celebrated sporting legends.
READ MOREFat Hippo gets frisky with 'Le French Kiss' this Valentine's Day!
READ MOREThis March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.
READ MOREAfter an incredible sold out and award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Wonder Fools are delighted to bring their brand new show The Kelton Hill Fair to Glasgow.
READ MOREForget the candlelit dinners and awkward fancy meals this Valentine's Day, El Perro Negro and Vault City Brewing are bringing the heat, flavor, and fizz to burger lovers across Glasgow.
READ MOREGlasgow's favourite fairground-themed night out, Fayre Play, are sharing the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting giveaway across the city.
READ MOREThe print publication will launch in Edinburgh this May with a separate Glasgow edition planned for later in the year.
READ MOREGet ready to up your game, Glasgow! The city's most exotic hideaway, Tiki Bar, has unveiled an exciting new addition to its offering!
READ MORE