A NEW initiative to encourage young footballers into the sport is to be held at Crossgates.

Alex Rutherford is organising Mini-Kickers sessions at the village Community Centre starting on Monday October 30.

Said Alex: "I will be holding my first session on Monday October 30 at 5.45pm to 6.45pm in Crossgates Community Centre.

"It will be held at the same time every week after that.

"At the moment as I am the only coach and I can only teach nine children but have a large reserve list of children and have asked Crossgates Primrose Juniors YFC for assistance to let me grow the club".

He has been encouraged by the sponsorship of the Mini Kickers sessions with the strips sponsored by Arnold Clark Motors and water bottles and banners sponsored by Sign Plus, based in Dalgety Bay.

Alex has a close interest in the youth development programme being developed by at the Humbug Park club: "As a committe member of the Crossgates Primrose my eldest son James plays for the 2009 team where I act as the player protection officer to ensure wellbeing of the children.

"I noticed that other clubs have already formed 2012 teams and we as a club had none. My suggestion was to create the Mini-Kickers firstly to teach 3-5 year old children basic football skills including passing, shooting and dribbling whilst having as much fun as possible.

"I could then pass on these children to Crossgates Primrose Juniors as the year teams develop".