Glasgow City Council and the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence have joined forces with coaches from Celtic FC for a 10-week sports programme to boost pupils’ confidence and improve their ability to work in teams.

As well as special sports coaching to raise fitness levels, more than 60 young people in S1-3 from John Paul Academy will take part in workshops dealing with issues such as territorialism and self-esteem. They will also learn about diet and the dangers of smoking and drug and alcohol misuse.

A special visit to Celtic Park will be organised for the group at the end of the programme.

“By linking up with professional sports coaches from Celtic FC, these young people will have the opportunity to learn skills from among the best in the country,” said Jean McFadden, the city council’s executive member for education.

“This initiative fits perfectly with the new Curriculum for Excellence and the area of health and well-being in particular.”