Gang cash to pay for Scots' footy training

Published on Friday 11 January 2008 09:16

CASH seized from crooks is to be used to train the next generation of Scotland's football stars.

Around 30,000 aspiring footballers are expected to benefit from a raft of new projects funded by money and goods seized from gangs involved in serious organised crime.

The 4 million, three-year initiative is the first in the Scottish Government's Cashback For Communities scheme.

The Scottish Government will give around 2.2 million from its proceeds of crime fund to football bosses to make it possible.

And 1.9m will come from the SFA and other sponsors.

The initiative is being unveiled today by SNP Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Gordon Smith, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association (SFA).

New ideas include a national network of five-a-side teams, weekly five-a-side evenings, and the creation of more than 1000 football teams at schools.

The SFA and the Scottish Government have agreed to build on existing football projects run by the Bank of Scotland.

Over the coming months, more projects funded from money seized from criminals will be announced.