Local MSP Alex Rowley joined councillor Mark Hood on a visit to the Fife Football Performance Academy (FFPA) on Friday (2nd Oct) has they moved into their new home at the Lumphinnans sports hub. The FFPA was established last year by Fife Council to develop the potential of young players in Fife.
Mr Rowley who led the establishment of FFPA when leader of Fife Council said ‘I’m pleased to see the investment in FFPA has been so successful. Before the academy many young players had to travel out of Fife to develop their talents, now there is a pathway from school and club football through to Fife Football Performance Academy and on to the elite academy operated by the senior Fife Clubs. The academy has some of our best coaches using the latest techniques from around Europe.’
The academy currently has over 240 kids from age 8 to 17 taking part in three training sessions per week. As well as training players have a sports science session and access to a sports injury clinic once a week. Each player has a tailored development plan which is frequently reviewed by the coaches.
The Cowdenebath MSP, highlighted the professionalism and commitment of coaches and players ‘we knew that if the FFPA was to be a success it needed to get the right mixture of hard work and fun. I’ve been struck by the professionalism of the coaches and the young players. But it’s also obvious everyone is having a great time.’
Mr Hood, who sits on the councils executive and has responsibility for sport and physical activity praised the diversity of the academy, ‘as well as the boys, we have two girl groups and a disabled player group. We want to make sure every young footballer gets the chance to develop their talent.
‘With the growth in the women’s game there is a real demand from young girls play football. Having seen the girls training tonight it’s easy to believe the women’s game in Fife will be going from strength to strength.’
