MORE than 140 children from the McLaren cluster schools participated in the Tesco Bank Football Festival McLaren Leisure Centre earlier this month.

The children were given the opportunity to take part in fun activities and small sided games delivered by Active Stirling coaches and volunteers.

Scott Kinross, Scottish FA football development officer with Active Stirling, said: "It was great to see so many children participating in today’s event with excellent numbers from all schools.

"We would like the children who have shown an interest in progressing into local clubs, to make that step through the player pathway to continue their involvement within football."

The Tesco Bank Football Challenge is a four-year community programme that introduces football to primary two and three children across Scotland, to help engage them in a healthy and active lifestyle.

Children participate in a six-week block of football with qualified Scottish FA coaches, before participating in regional festivals across the country, many of which are held at high profile venues.

A national festival at Hampden Park brings the school year of football to a memorable close.

The original target of 72,000 children across 1,600 primary schools, during the lifespan of the project should now be exceeded.

More than 1000 primary schools in Scotland are already engaged, accounting for over 40% of all schools in the country.