Published: Monday, 1st February, 2010 12:16pm

Mini kickers line up football stars of the future

CHILDREN as young as two-years-old are being offered football coaching in the Borders.

The Scottish Football Association has announced its Mini Kickers programme will kick-off at the Queen's Centre in Galashiels and the Gytes Leisure Centre in Peebles later this month.

It is designed to develop a child's basic skills and is aimed at children aged between two-and-a-half and five-years-old.

The course kicks off on February 20 and application forms are available to download online.

Scottish FA Football Development Officer Drew Kelly said: "I'm delighted that through partnership working with the Gytes Leisure Centre, Peebles and Queens Leisure Centre, Galashiels, the Scottish FA Mini Kickers programme will now be available to boys and girls as part of a new initiative.

"The Peebles and Galashiels programmes will be delivered over three blocks of five weekly sessions, with children being encouraged to attend all three blocks.

"I can also report that the new and unique Scottish FA Mini Kickers Football Strip will be available to any young footballer attending the course. Every child who signs up for the full three block programme, will receive a third reduction from the price of the unique Scottish FA Mini Kickers Football Strip.

"I hope the programmes in Peebles and Galashiels are a success as my aim will be to take the programme to other areas throughout the Scottish Borders."

It is the first time the course has been held in the Borders but, if successful, it is hoped to roll it out to other towns in the region.

The Scottish FA Mini Kickers Coaches are fully trained and follow a curriculum specifically devised to acknowledge a child's psychological and social development, as part of their overall development. The coaching is focused on creating a child who is motivated, confident and has a positive attitude towards exercise as well as having fun interacting with children of a similar age.

For more information or an application form contact the Queens Centre in Galashiels or the Gytes Leisure Centre in Peebles, the Sports Development Unit in Galashiels or log on to their website: www.footballdevscotborders.co.uk