On Tuesday 25th August S1 and S2 pupils from St Machar Academy received a Cultural Awareness Workshop as part of their involvement in the School of Football programme.

St Machar Academy is one of just 16 Schools of Football around the country. The Schools of Football develop the social and academic skills of boys and girls during their first and second year of high school.

Scottish FA Football Equity Officer, Harley Hamdani, delivered the workshop as part of an ongoing effort to increase the understanding and awareness of various cultures, ethnic groups and religions within the region.

After delivering the workshop Harley said, “It is very important for young footballers, and people in general, to be culturally aware. We are living, playing and working in a diverse and multicultural environment so to understand the differences in culture, potential barriers groups may face and ways to overcome these is extremely beneficial.

“The School of Football pupils showed a real interest to learn more about the cultures of their peers and teammates. Through their increased knowledge and understanding, these young people can help create an environment of inclusion and promote football as a game for all.”

Scottish FA Player and Coach Development Manager for the North region, Calum MacDonald helped to organise the workshop and is keen to make sure that it becomes a regular part of the School of Football programme.

When asked about the workshop Calum said, “I asked Harley to deliver a cultural awareness workshop as I am aware that St Machar has one of the highest number of pupils from an ethnic minority in the city and feel it is important the pupils are more educated around this area.

“The workshop was really embraced by the pupils and I will be inviting Harley to deliver this each year as part of the School of Football programme.”