Firstly, I hope everyone has managed to keep well over the lockdown period and have followed the guidelines as rules are gradually being relaxed. I have no doubt, I am not alone in feeling anxious about returning to school and I am sure every one of you have your own thoughts on what you have missed and what you are looking forward to as we take the first steps back into Education.
Many will have missed the interaction with their friends and taking part in the wide range of extra-curricular clubs offered in Schools throughout Scotland. Young people who have been involved in Schools Football in previous years will be looking forward to its return and the new First Year pupils will have been looking forward to becoming involved.
As we are guided by the information being provided by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Football Association in terms of a return to competitive Football, our programme may look a little different this year. However, we hope to offer a programme of events which will continue to provide opportunities and experiences for youngsters across Scotland when the time is right.
School staff who have been or are keen to become involved in Schools Football will face numerous challenges as they adapt to ‘the new normal’ and will undoubtably have more pressing aspects of school life to deal with than Football. However, given the many benefits of extra-curricular activities for both staff and pupils, I am sure we will see many teams resurrected when it is safe to do so.
After numerous discussions regarding what can be offered this season, we will be emailing staff and posting on this website, our route map for the return of Schools Football very soon. We aim to be realistic in what we can offer and hopefully we can add some degree of flexibility to this as guidance changes in the coming weeks and months. Our initial intention is to complete last season’s competitions (session 2019/20) when it is safe to do so and we will consult with these schools involved in due course.
I would like to wish every teacher and pupil returning to Scottish Schools this week a safe journey back on the road of Education. Hopefully, it is not too long before we see Schools Football in Scotland flourish once again and continue to provide so much enjoyment that others have experienced in the past. Football is enjoyed by so many in a variety of ways and we look forward to welcoming everyone back as soon as it is safe to do so.
