SFA summer coaching for kids kicks off in Midlothian

RATHER than kicking their heels this summer, young footballers in and around Edinburgh could be kicking a ball as the Scottish Football Association rolls out its holiday coaching programme in Midlothian, writes ALEX SCHWEITZER-THOMPSON.

A series of two and five-day courses will be held for youngsters aged 3-12 between the start of July and the beginning of August, with subscriptions from as little as 10.

Course developer Keith Wright, the former Hibernian striker, said: "The courses will be run by Scottish FA community coaches and will adopt a different theme every day – passing, shooting, dribbling, followed by small-sided games. Boys and girls of all ages and abilities are welcome, and all participants will receive a Scottish FA certificate and gift."

Anyone interested in attending any of the courses should contact Keith on 0196 866 4063.

The full timetable is as follows:

Mini Kickers: Gorebridge Leisure Centre (indoor); aged 3-4 years; 5-7 July, 11.00-11.45am, cost 10.

Mini Kickers: Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre (indoor), 3-4 years; 5-7 July, 1.00-1.45pm, 10.

Summer Roadshows: Bonnyrigg Leisure Centre (astro); 5-12 years; 12-16 July, 10.00am-noon, 25; also 10.00am-3.00pm, 45.

Summer Roadshows: Penicuik Centre (astro); 5-12 years; 19-23 July, 10.00am-noon, 25.

Summer Roadshows: Loanhead Leisure Centre (astro); 5-12 years; 26-30 July, 10.00am-noon, 25.

Goalkeeping Camp: Poltonhall Recreation (astro); 8-16 years; 26-30 July, 10.00am-noon, 25.

Soccer Skills Centre: Cowden Park, Dalkeith (grass); 5-12 years; 2-6 August, 10.00am-noon, 25; also 10.00am-3.00pm, 45.