GIRLS are outshining the boys on the football field at Burgh Primary School in Musselburgh! Regular coaching from Lee Duffy and Raymond McGrath has paid dividends for the girls squad at the school, tucked away behind the shops on the south side of Musselburgh High Street.

As part of a Health Week at the school, the girls paraded the two trophies they have won this season, the Lothian & Borders Police Cup and the John Home Robertson Cup. Football coaching takes place each week, not only for girls, but boys, too. The only setback the two coaches are having is the same situation currently upsetting other primary school coaches, boys not playing for the school due to the intrusion into primary school football by professional senior football clubs. At a meeting with representatives from a senior club, parents were told it was ‘harmful’ for boys to play in primary school football. This ridiculous situation created by people from senior football clubs with no teaching qualifications whatever is an ongoing problem for schools, at both primary and higher level, but it has not cut back on the popularity of football with other kids at Burgh Primary School.

The very happy atmosphere engendered by the involvement of parents of the children who are pupils at the school is apparent as soon as you enter the door. And, while success at football is very welcome, other sports are actively encouraged, too. The programme of events for their Health Week includes rugby, athletics, cricket and a sponsored skip for the whole school – and any parent wanting to join in. Chair of the Parent Teachers Association, Jacqueline McDonald, said: “We also have a Fun Day for all pupils arranged, and we are encouraging the children to take part in a daily Fun Run to encourage active participation in sports activities. We encourage the children eat healthy snacks, such as breadsticks, exotic fruit and smoothies!”

A feature of Health Week is a football challenge game between the staff at Burgh Primary School and P7 pupils. Also on the list of sports pupils are encouraged to take part in is the game of bowls. After spending some time with the kids on the small football pitch and speaking to the coaches and other adults I asked what help the school gets from senior football clubs who claim it is ‘harmful’ for young kids to enjoy playing along with their friends in teams representing Burgh Primary School. The answer was short and to the point – nothing at all! That answer was In line with the information I have from all other schools I contact throughout each and every season.

The intrusion by professional senior football clubs in to schools in Scotland is disgraceful. The fact that it is allowed to continue is even more shameful. These people who represent professional football clubs are in the game for money and power, nothing else. I know the damage these clubs and their coaches are doing to harm the self-esteem of young players lured on false promises to senior clubs. The fact that this shocking situation is proving detrimental to the  work being done by the football coaches in such an obviously happy and encouraging environment prevalent  at Burgh Primary School is appalling in my view. It is up to parents to support the school and encourage their kids to put the school first at all times. Senior clubs, apparently, want kids to train three times a week and then play on Saturday mornings – all in the cause of furthering elitism. Those who suffer at the hands of the people who represent these clubs are the kids who are unceremoniously ditched!

And I know hundreds of young kids who have been shamefully treated in this fashion! It devastates boys when they are told they are not good enough by senior football club people who have  neither teaching qualifications nor interest in the long-term development of children into adulthood. It is something that is kept quiet by the SFA and senior clubs throughout Scotland and no wonder, too! It is absolutely shameful the way our young kids are being used as jersey fillers or for want of a better expression – cannon fodder!