The Old Firm Alliance, established to encourage healthier, safer and more tolerant behaviour among primary school pupils, is held in ten football centres with youngsters from over 100 primary schools in some of Glasgow's most disadvantaged areas. The project sees community football coaches from Celtic and Rangers work with boys and girls in a vibrant and fun environment. The programme is free to all.

But behind the thrills, spills and goals more serious social and community issues are tackled. The young people are encouraged to look at:

HEALTH: The highly trained coaches highlight all aspects of fitness, from a proper diet to anti alcohol and drug issues.
EDUCATION: Teachers within the schools work with coaches and parents to encourage the young people's self-development and take an early look at vocational options.
RESPECT: Workshops highlight the negativity of anti social behaviour and sectarianism while encouraging positive lifestyle choices, helping raise self-esteem and encouraging respect for others within our multi racial communities.

The project is funded by Glasgow Community Planning Partnership.

P.S. Is the Old Firm Alliance a winner? A stunning 97% of young people attending the course say it had a good or excellent impact and perhaps three quotes reflect the overall view of the project:

- "It made me want to get along with people"
- "Finding out about drugs made me think about not taking them"
- "We will think more about playing as a team and not individually"

Currently there are 38 Schools participating in Block 3, half of which will come along to Ibrox for one of the following incentives between now and the Easter holidays:

- football festivals on 3rd and 4th of April
- a match day experience
- a tour of the stadium

By the end of the third block, which finishes in April:

- 2700 kids will have increased their participation levels in sporting activity during school curriculum time.
- 1500 kids will have increased there participation levels in sporting activity after school.
- Over 1000 young people have participated in sporting activity provided during school holidays.