Source: FOOTYMAD
Work, Rest And Play
Eat a Mars bar and then work off the calories by playing football! The SFA and Mars have linked up to create a Just Play programme designed to get more than 2,000 adults playing regular football in 2011 in an easier, more casual way regardless of their level, experience or ability. The initiative aims to help overcome some of the challenges that the adult game faces in Scotland, by delivering solutions to the barriers identified in recent research which suggested that nearly 60% of players would of play more often if more informal football opportunities were available to them. The SFA and Mars want to encourage people to get involved in the game through a number of Just Play football sessions that will be organised this summer. These sessions are designed to encourage new or lapsed players to turn up and play football.A number of clubs across the country will be involved and the initiative will also be rolled out across selected university and college campuses, who will host one day football festivals as well as regional five-a-side tournaments. It is hope that more than 1,000 students will get involved. SFA Director of Football Development, Jim Fleeting said: "We know that there are many hurdles to the adult game in Scotland and this new scheme seeks to address and overcome some of those challenges. The Scottish FA MARS Just Play programme will help us to get people in Scotland back playing the game, and should reignite Scotland’s passion for playing the national game at grassroots level."Fiona Dawson, President of Mars Chocolate UK, said: "Mars is committed to Scottish football and through the SFA Mars Just Play scheme we aim to continue to facilitate more equipment, better facilities and easier access for grass roots players of any standard to be able to play the game. The Scottish FA Just Play initiative is exciting as it makes the game accessible to all adults who want to get back playing, regardless of level." Tom Boyd, ex‑Scotland internationist said: "Grassroots football is crucial to the state of the game and the adult game needs to be part of this. We need to keep people in football and get players back kicking a ball. The Scottish FA Just Play scheme is a perfect way to achieve this; it is easier to get involved in, structured in the right way and should make getting back playing much easier. Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is ScottishFitba Net
