MSPs on the Ball

12.00.00am GMT Mon 30th Nov 2009

Glasgow MSP Robert Brown gets invited to many events and projects in the course of his role as an MSP - but was required to take a more active part on a recent visit to the Toryglen Regional Football Centre. Robert was invited with other MSPs and MPs to participate in an 'MSPs on the Ball' football coaching session at the invitation of Kenny Dalglish in his capacity as Head of the Scottish Football programme at McDonald's Restaurants. Since 2002, the McDonald's programme has created more than 1,750 new community coaches across Scotland.

The visit was in order to let the MSPs sample the programme first hand, and to have the opportunity to go through some of the training drills that grassroots coaches across Scotland learn on the McDonald's programme.

Robert Brown said: "It is clearly a great programme and I must say it was great fun, although I was left more than a little out of puff at the end of it! Football - and indeed other sports - are great motivators for young people and it is important that youngsters can play for fun as well as having the opportunity to develop their skills. A superb facility like Toryglen with its indoor pitch also allows for the Scottish weather!"