George Burley drops in on coaching session

Oct 14 2009 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

SCOTLAND manager George Burley was greeted by dozens of budding footballers and enthusiastic fans when he visited Airdrie this week.

Fresh from the weekend’s friendly visit to Japan, the national team boss dropped in to Monday evening’s community coaching session at Craigneuk playing fields.

The park is opposite Airdrie United’s home at New Broomfield, where areas surrounding the stadium are soon to be transformed into a five-a-side complex.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Burley said: “We aren’t inundated with training facilities in Scotland, so the more we can do to create them and give youngsters opportunities, the better.

“Community football is very much key to youth development and the future of Scottish football, to help introduce kids to the game from an early age.

“Programmes like this, where youngsters can get goals down and play, are wonderful; and the enthusiasm, passion and enjoyment shown by all the youngsters today is fantastic.”

Burley’s visit was in connection with the SFA’s Street Football partnership, which has seen new sponsor Robert Wiseman Dairies come on board to provide additional funding for the initiative in North Lanarkshire and three other local authority areas.