Helping Young Fifers

Dunfermline Football Club launches an innovative new 'Schools Engagement Strategy'

Over the past few months the DAFC group have been working to create a comprehensive community partnership with local primary schools in West Fife.

Three programmes have been specifically designed for primary school children and aim to use football as a stimulus for learning across the curriculum. A future programme for secondary school children is also planned.

The first aspect of the programme 'Pars Stars' works to develop literacy skills of writing match reports, commentating and interviewing. The 'Pars Tackle Your Health' aspect looks at health, wellbeing, nutrition and exercise by outlining the day in the life of a professional footballer, stressing the importance of regular exercise, rest, diet and looking after the body. Finally, 'Tours for Schools' gives children the opportunity to learn about the wider employment related aspects in the world of football including business, accounting, retail, hospitality, physiotherapy, media and maintenance.

Ross McArthur, Director of Dunfermline Athletic Football Club said: 

"Since Pars United CIC acquired DAFC a year ago, the board has worked hard to ensure that our football club fulfils its social obligations fully to the community of West Fife. One of our immediate goals had been to facilitate a community schools programme that would engage with local primary school children. We wanted to use the fun and enjoyment that football can provide to kids, to support children’s learning, in line with the Curriculum for Excellence."