Rutherglen schools enjoy visit from free style footballer

Nov 18 2009 by Kenny Smith, Rutherglen Reformer

TWO RUTHERGLEN schools enjoyed a visit from a football ‘free stylist’ recently.

Colin Nell is world renowned for his skilful soccer stylings and keeps audiences captivated with his array of slick footballing tricks.

And the pupils of both Stonelaw High and Trinity enjoyed a visit from the soccer ace, courtresy of Network Rail and South Lanarkshire Council.

Network Rail sponsor the No Messin’ Campaign which aims to promote an active lifestyle in conjunction with South Lanarkshire Council’s Active Schools.

The No Messin’ campaign aims to teach youngsters the dangers of improper conduct at and near railways.

And Colin’s visit was hailed as a huge success, with pupils from both school left extremely impressed with his football wizardry

Colin informed pupils of the dangers involved in playing on or near rail lines and the cost to the public purse in relation to vandalism, and encouraged the pupils to engage in other activities to do in the evenings

Speaking of the visit, head teacher of Stonelaw High, Brian Cooklin, said: “Colin’s visit was inspirational for a large number of children, not just because of his skills but because of the message he gave about how important it is for them to work hard and practice and concentrate on what they need to do to achieve success.”

A spokesperson for Trinity High School said: “On Wednesday, October 28, Colin Nell Football Freestyler gave a fantastic skilful performance as well as giving some coaching tips to the pupils on their football skills.

“Colin was very impressed by both the talent and attitude of the pupils and explained to them the purpose of his visit.

“Colin also launched the after-school club which includes street dance, trampolining and basketball aimed at all S1 - 4 pupil.

“It was a great day enjoyed by all, and the staff and pupils would like to thank both Colin and Mark Henderson (community safety managers).”

Mark Henderson, Network Rail community safety manager, commented: “Lanarkshire is fairly unique in that five railway lines run through the region, including the busy West Coast main line. That means that the railway is at the very heart of the community here and it is always a lure for young people looking for somewhere to hang out of sight from adults.

“The No Messin’ initiative aims to show that there are more productive, enjoyable ways to spend your time than hanging around near the railway. Our involvement in Active Schools demonstrates that we have a long term commitment to tackling the issue of rail crime in the area. “

Chairman of South Lanarkshire Leisure’s Board, councillor Gerry Convery added: “The ‘No Messin’ partnership project between Active Schools and Network Rail will provide pupils with the opportunity to participate in more physical activity in their local community as well as educating them on the dangers of the local railways.

“The support from Sportsmatch will allow even more young people to benefit from this project which will encourage long-term participation in physical activity.”Š

Councillor Mary Smith, who chairs South Lanarkshire Council’s Education Resources Committee, agreed.

She said: “This is part of an ongoing drive to ensure that pupils of all ages are encouraged to be as fit and healthy as they can be.

“The range of activities on offer is so diverse and exciting that I am sure uptake will be high and the initiative will be a huge success in the area.”