Education

Alternative School

The Alternative School provides young people who are at risk of exclusion from mainstream education or who may find school a challenge, an alternative place to learn, grow and develop. Students attend the Alternative School three or four times per week. Their development journey includes 1:1 support on subjects including Maths and English in addition to physical activity sessions. There is a focus on self-reflection, personal development and fostering a growth mindset.

Our 'free to choose' options emphasise practical learning through volunteering and work experience opportunities. Every young person is mentored by one of our youth workers or community coaches. In 2015/16 we successfully supported 11 young people. Building on this, we aim to support 12–16 students in the 2016/17 academic year.

Youth Work in Primary Schools

The Academy’s youth workers are based in local primary schools for one full day a week where they mentor young people who need extra academic, social or emotional support. Youth workers are valued members of school staff, communicating the same core messages to pupils but their connection to The Academy means that young people often feel more comfortable approaching them when they need help or support.

Homework Clubs

Our homework clubs are delivered in local primary schools with the help of volunteers from local organisations. Pupils enjoy homework support that may not be available at home, and physical activity in our 'game of two halves' approach. In 2015 more than 100 pupils attended these clubs each school term.

Spartans Smilers

Spartan Smilers is our oral health programme for Primary 3 pupils. It uses football to teach children the importance of dental health and oral hygiene. The programme features an e-learning module including a practical and fun football session where our community football coaching team will reinforce oral health messages. If you are interested in delivering Spartans Smilers at your school please contact Nichola Sturrock at nicholasturrock@spartanscfa.com

Physical Education

Our PE Teacher delivers curriculum classes in local primary schools helping to ensure that the schools meet national guidelines for two hours of quality PE per week. In 2015 The Academy delivered a total of 246 PE classes to over 700 local school children.

School of Football

In partnership with the Scottish Football Association we deliver the 'School of Football' programme at Craigroyston Community High School. Football is used as a vehicle to inspire and motivate pupils who are facing challenges at school.

Physical Activity Programmes

The Academy's community coaches deliver lunchtime, after-school and curriculum football-based PE sessions in local primary schools. Whether it’s officiating a game in the playground or delivering curriculum sessions, we aim to inspire and motivate pupils to be physically active and develop their social, teamwork and football skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Tesco Bank Football Challenge Programme 

Delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Association this programme encourages Primary 2–3 pupils to become more active and develop a love for football through small-sided games It focuses on learning, respect, responsibility and success through effort.

The Spartans Community Football Academy Youth Ambassadors

Our Youth Ambassadors Programme welcomes young people who would like to gain valuable skills and experience in youth work, facilities management and coaching. Participants are mentored by staff from The Academy and work towards their national Saltire Awards .