SCOTTISH FA chief executive Ian Maxwell has written to Scottish education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville asking her to support a nationwide appeal to schools to let children watch Scotland’s opening Euro 2020 match on television.
Andy Robertson and his team mates will take on the Czech Republic at Hampden in their first Group D match at 2pm on Monday – when kids the length and breadth of the country will still be stuck in their classrooms.
However, the SFA has implored schools to “Put Scotland on the Curriculum” by allowing youngsters to cheer on Steve Clarke’s team in their first appearance at a major tournament finals since France ’98 23 years ago.
Maxwell believes that seeing Steve Clarke’s side in action at Euro 2020 on television can lift the spirits of the nation amid the coronavirus pandemic and has urged cabinet secretary for education and skills Somerville to lend her backing to their bid.
His letter reads: “With UEFA Euro 2020 fast approaching and our men’s A squad returning to a major tournament for the first time in 23 years, we want to use this as an opportunity to inspire the nation through the ‘Power of Football’.
“As you may know, we launched our new Scottish FA Football Strategy with the vision ‘to harness the power of football to inspire the nation, transform lives and build a united and successful game’.
“We know the last year has been challenging for everyone, in particular children, and we hope that with the first game of the tournament on June 14 against the Czech Republic, we can help inspire a nation and hopefully give everyone something to cheer about!
“At 2pm on 14 June we are encouraging schools all over Scotland to watch our opening game in the classroom and help us cheer the nation on to Euro glory.
“Our plan is very simple, we will push out social media messages asking schools and communities to come together and share images, artwork and activity, culminating in classrooms across the country watching the game.
“We would love if you could support our idea to ‘Put Scotland on the Curriculum’.
“Furthermore, you may be aware that schools are using educational material involving players who will be on the pitch. If that collateral was used in the build up to the match it would be a fantastic way to show how sport and education can go hand in hand.”
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