Friendly football tournament brings teenage kicks to Glasgow

Published by Gary Bolton for Connaught Plc in Health and also in Housing

A football tournament held on the south side of Glasgow has found the winning formula when it comes to encouraging over 100 local young people to mix in a friendly yet competitive environment.

The Nethercraigs Football Tournament, supported by Connaught, is a friendly football event aimed at integrating communities from across the south of the city. The three day competition attracted over 100 children plus dozens more spectators from all over the south of Glasgow including Castlemilk, Govan and Pollok.

Organised by local youth worker Chris Hutton, the tournament was held for Under 14 and Under 15 year olds at Nethercraigs Sports Complex to encourage social inclusion through keeping local children off the streets and breaking down barriers between rival gangs. Keenly contested throughout, the eventual winners of the Under 14 tournament were Southside United with Glasgow FC emerging victorious amongst the Under 15 year olds.

Bill Coghill, Connaught Partnerships Ltd regional director for Scotland, said: “Encouraging young people to mix together in friendly competition whilst participating in exercise is an excellent way to break down any potential barriers that may exist and we were delighted to be able to assist by providing a trophy and medals for the winning teams.

“The event created a great sprit amongst all who participated and watched from the sidelines and overall it was a tremendous success and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved for participating in the right spirit.”

Connaught is working in partnership with Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) to complete roofing and rendering of 1100 properties across south west Glasgow.