High Life Highland’s Active Schools Team have been working with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to offer a girls-only sports programme that uses Disney themes to introduce football skills.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) ‘Disney Playmakers Programme’ was piloted in three locations across the Highlands in September, with a view to rolling this new programme out to other areas in the future.
Jake Williams, High Life Highland’s Active Schools Coordinator for Invergordon, said: “The UEFA Disney Playmakers Programme is aimed at young girls, aged 5-8 years, who are not currently playing football.
“It 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 programme consists of 10 sessions, where girls will play out epic scenes from well-loved Disney films – such as ‘Incredibles 2’ – and take on the roles of some of the most memorable and iconic characters.
“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.
Darren concluded: “We will take the learning from the initial pilot projects and look to roll out more of these opportunities across Highlands.”
Details of the scheduled activities in the Invergordon and Grantown area:
Milton Primary School – Gym Hall
Every Thursday at 3-4pm from 14th September to 2nd November
Hilton of Cadboll Primary school – gym hall
Every Thursday at 3-4pm from 14th September to 2nd November
Grantown sessions indoors at the YMCA building
Every Monday at 4:30-5:15pm from 25th September to 27th November
For more information on the UEFA Disney Playmakers: https://www.uefa.com/playmakers/en/
