A historic agreement endorsed by key figures in Scottish football was signed yesterday that could change the face of Scottish sport, and Scottish culture, forever.

Positive Coaching Scotland, managed by the Winning Scotland Foundation, a concept that champions achievement through effort and learning life lessons on the sports field, has teamed up with the Scottish FA to roll out their programme in Scotland, starting in Fife.

Originally developed in the USA by businessman Jim Thompson, where it has helped over 3 million children, PCS is designed to eliminate the ‘win at all costs’ mindset so prevalent in youth football in Scotland, a mentality that causes many young people to drop out of the sport altogether due to unnecessary pressure and criticism from parents and coaches.

Instead, in cooperation with the Fife Football Partnership, PCS and the Scottish FA are seeking to inject the ‘double goal coach’ philosophy into Scottish football, whereby adults teach young players that while winning is still important, it is defined by individual achievement rather than how the scoreboard reads. 

Ultimately, children will feel encouraged to continue playing the game into adulthood due to the positive, enjoyable experiences they have had in the sport.

The long term ambition of the project is to give Scotland a larger pool of players in the adult game, due to a decrease in drop-out rates.  This in turn will contribute to more players being available for selection for the national team and, more importantly, Scotland will be a national of healthier, happier people.

The partnership was endorsed by two of the most influential figures in Scottish football: National team coach George Burley and SFA Chief Executive Gordon Smith.

“We are delighted to play our part as a partner in this project,” said Smith.  “We’re in football, but we’re also about trying to develop people.  We want to create people who have a fantastic winning mentality, and whether they go on to become great footballers or not, they will go on to become great citizens, and be successful in other fields.”

“The project is going to be fantastic.  We want to get the message across that it is about winning in the right manner, not only for our sport, but for our mentality.  I am delighted that the SFA is going to be a partner to PCS, and I look forward to seeing it coming through.”

National coach Burley added: “I think it [Positive Coaching Scotland] is the way forward.  Everybody wants to win, but even with the national team and clubs I have managed, performances are what give you a win.  If you perform well, you will win games.  You must try to develop people.

“It is about getting the best out of people, whether you are a coach or a manager.  Every player, kid or adult, has their own strengths, and it is about evolving them to reach their full potential, whatever that may be.”

www.positivecoachingscotland.com

Find out more about the Fife Football Partnership here