School has started in East Renfrewshire – We hope all you children, parents and school staff out there had an amazing start to this new year after a relaxing school holiday.
But it is good for everyone to go back to a routine probably, so having the school run to do every morning and afternoon might not be so bad after all. You might even think of after school activities to fill in your kids’ afternoons and offer them something educational and fun to occupy their time rather than sit in front of the TV or computer.
To help you with the wide range of after school activities East Renfrewshire has to offer, we had a chat with Dean McKirdy, coach for the under 12 at Busby Amateur Football Club – an organization we heartily endorse (and occasionally cheer on at games) to discuss the benefits of playing football for both boys and girls.
Dean said:
“I think football is such a great activity as it lets the kids get outdoors and exercise whilst doing something they enjoy!”
Socialising and Camaraderie
Playing in a team is an extremely valuable experience for children of all ages. It helps with socialising and understanding how to work as a group to achieve a common goal. It is a great way to expand their circle of friends an opportunity to socialize with other people that they don’t see every day at school, so can develop new friendships.
Physical as well as mental wellbeing
“Besides from having the opportunity to run and jump ad get rid of all that pent up energy, I also think football is a great way for kids to express themselves and to switch off from school work or any stress in their lives.”
Discipline and Work Ethic
Playing a game with clear rules and promoting fair play gives children a great frame to use in other school but can be a solid base for adult life as well.
“As a coach I think that when the team wins or performs something you have been training the kids to do, not only do you feel a sense of achievement but the kids feel they have achieved something as well. It is this feeling that I think encourages the kids to want to keep playing and achieve even more.” – Dean added.
“Busby AFC started in 1980 and have grown massively and now have kids teams for 4 year olds all the way through the age groups to adult seniors first team. Some of the adults have been playing with Busby for almost all of their footballing careers!
As Busby AFC is such a well run club and has given players (like myself) so much joy over the years, it makes it easy for current or past players to want to start coaching the next generation of Busby players.”
If you would like to see the Busby AFC in action or have your child try football, send them a message or check their website for training times and venues.