Easter Ross girls-only sports pilot scheme to use Disney themes to teach football skills
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A pilot girls-only sports programme will use Disney themes and roleplay to teach football skills.
High Life Highland's Active Schools Team working in partnership with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and the Union of European Football Associates (UEFA) have launched the 'Disney Playmakers Programme' which is being piloted in three Highland locations, including Hilton of Cadboll Primary School.
The pilot scheme, which began on September 14, until November 2, takes place at the Hilton of Cadboll Primary School gym hall every Thursday from 3-4pm.
The programme is aimed at girls aged between 5-8 who are not currently playing football, and invites them to step into the 'enchanting' world of Disney and take the 'first step on their football journey'.
Over the course of 10 sessions, the programme will see girls play out scenes from Disney films, including Incredibles 2, and roleplay as the characters.
Jake Williams, High Life Highland’s Active Schools coordinator for Invergordon, said: “The UEFA Disney Playmakers Programme invites them to step into the enchanting and vivid world of Disney, as they take the first step on their football journey.
“These themed sessions create a safe and encouraging environment where imaginations can run wild, as an iconic Disney story is told through movement and play.
“The idea is that the roleplay element will empower young girls to be healthy and strong, make friends, build confidence, and learn new skills for football and life.
“It has truly been a ‘magical’ start to our new UEFA Disney Playmakers Programmes at Hilton of Cadboll Primary School and Milton Primary.
“Well done to coaches Rheannan and Carrie for ‘kicking’ things off this week, and for delivering these fun and engaging sessions.”
Darren Reid, High Life Highland’s Head of Sport Development, added: “‘I am delighted to see this partnership with the Scottish Football Association come to fruition in the Highlands.
“The Disney Playmakers project is a great example of being innovative to engage more young people in sport and physical activity.
“This project has a particular focus on girls’ participation and developing women coaches and volunteers which is an key aim of High Life Highland’s Sports service.
“None of this can be achieved without a strong partnership with the Sport’s Governing Body in the Scottish Football Association and the fantastic support from our local volunteer coaches who help us deliver activities across the Highlands.
“We will take the learning from the initial pilot projects and look to roll out more of these opportunities across Highlands.”
