Livi extend community links by rolling out the welcome mat

Apr 2 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

LIVINGSTON FC continued their community work this week by rolling out the welcome mat to schoolchildren and students from across the county.

The club’s community coaches regularly give youngsters in West Lothian the chance to improve their football skills, their confidence and their employment chances.

And last week there were a series of visits to Almondvale from community groups and pupils.

Kirkhill Primary School sent a class of primary six pupils to the club as part of the Lions’ new Kickstart programme.

The new initiative is designed to help improve youngsters’ team work skills and confidence through football.

It was one of six visits arranged for the Broxburn schoolkids who are loving the chance of working with the clubs’ community coaches.

Students from St Kentigern’s also dropped in on the club recently as part of the first work shadowing scheme.

Youngsters were assigned to a different staff member and shadowed their designated worker throughout the day — including a first-team coach, catering staff, physio and receptionist.

They also spent time with Leigh Robertson, first team and community coordinator, discussing job opportunities.

The Blackburn school is one of six in West Lothian to offer the Activate programme to potential school leavers.

The inaugural work shadow day was hailed a great success and may be an idea rolled out again in the future.