More children to be able to take part in after school football clubs, Swinney says

More children will be able to take part in free before and after school football clubs following the Scottish Government’s Budget, the First Minister has said.

Some £5.5 million will be invested in the Extra Time programme to allow up to 5,000 kids access to play football before and after school, as well as during holidays.

John Swinney said the scheme would allow parents to take on more work while keeping their children healthy.

Extra Time is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Association and supports local football clubs to provide free services to primary school children from low-income families.

The Scottish Government said the scheme will be expanded to allow more kids to take part in it.

The First Minister made the announcement after meeting pupils taking part in the scheme at Abbeyhill Primary School in Edinburgh, which works with the Hibernian Community Foundation to deliver the programme.

Mr Swinney said this year’s Budget was “all about” helping families with the cost of living, including wrap-around childcare and new breakfast clubs.

Pledging to “deliver for families in Scotland”, he told the Press Association: “What this means is that young people have the opportunity to be engaged in sporting activities and to be supported in all of that activity after school.

“It extends the school day, it means young people are occupied in physical activity, which is a good thing for their wellbeing, and it means families are able to be out at work for a longer period because they can be assured of the safety and support that’s available to their children within the Extra Time programme.”