Aberdeen

Simmy helps kick off First's free football fun

One of Aberdeen's very own 'Gothenburg Greats', Neil Simpson - 'Simmy' " came face to face with the footballing stars of the future to kick off Aberdeen's biggest and best free football tournament, First Football, which is back for 2010.

The young players from Dyce United - Drew Copeland, Craig Macaskill, Blair Gilligan, Lewis Grant, Kevin Chalmers, Cameron Buchan and Lewis Michie (all 14 years old) - took the winning spot in this year's First Football competition and are gearing up to defend their title of the popular competition.

Sponsored by bus operator, First in Aberdeen - and delivered in conjunction with partners Grampian Police, Aberdeen Football Club and Strikers Indoor Football - First Football is a terrific 14-week tournament that sees dozens of teams battle it out for the coveted top spot and a place in the final of the Bank of Scotland Midnight Leagues.

It is an innovative free football and education programme that aims to engage with young people in a fun and positive way to help reduce incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour. It has proven to be a huge success in the past with hundreds of young players taking part in a mini-league each year.

First in Aberdeen is the main sponsor of the popular event, providing free travel to and from Strikers Indoor Football for the whole tournament, as well as putting two sought-after trophies up for grabs.

First in Aberdeen's Staff Manager and Chairman of the First Football committee, Alan Cheyne joined the 2009 winning team to launch this year's event. He said: "We are delighted to be launching the application process for First Football 2010 and would encourage all interested teams to get their applications in as quickly as possible as spaces are sure to fill up quickly.

"This is a terrific project that has gone from strength to strength over the years and it has definitely hit the mark in terms of working with local young people, delivering the anti-vandalism and anti-social behaviour messages and seeing the results on the streets. And it's not all about the reasons behind the initiative - it's also about getting out, getting fit, having fun, making friends and scoring a few goals!

"We are very much looking forward to getting First Football 2010 underway and I would urge teams to get their names down right away as it will be First come, First served!"

The Dyce United players said: "First Football is free, it's great fun and it gives us something to do on a Saturday night. We really enjoyed playing in the competition this year and are already looking forward to the 2010 tournament."

Simmy added: "It's great that young footballers have the chance to take part in a competition like this. They get to have a bit of fun while also honing their skills. Hopefully as many kids as possible sign up for First Football and who knows, it could be the first step to becoming one of the star players of tomorrow!"

All First Football teams must consist of eight players aged between 13 and 16 years old and teams will be split into two leagues: S1 to S2 and S3, S4 and S5. For full details and to register for First Football 2009, log on to www.firstgroup.com/aberdeen or www.strikersfootball.com.

Application forms are also available from Strikers Indoor Football, 50 Broadfold Drive, Bridge of Don; directly from First at 395 King Street, Aberdeen; or from your school liaison officer.

Applications must be submitted no later than Saturday 14 November 2009. First Football 2010 kicks off on Saturday 9 January 2010, with finals night on Saturday 24 April 2010.