Success For Sutherland Primary School

1st July 2009

Pupils from Brora Primary will end the term on a high as their school is the first in the North Highlands to be awarded the Scottish Football Association Level 1 Quality Mark in recognition of the high standards continuously maintained by the coaching team.

Janitor David Rose and his team of coaches at the 93 pupil school have been coaching football to children for a good number of years and successes have included winning the local schools competition, the Paynter Cup and reaching the last 8 in Scotland for the SFA Soccer 7s national competition. The schools girl's football team has won the MacRobert Cup and got as far as the Under 13s Scottish Cup Final when they moved on to Golspie High School.

David said: "Some pupils from our training sessions have gone on to turn professional with various Scottish clubs or had trials with English Premiership teams. To receive this Award is a tremendous achievement and a result of a lot of hard work over the years by lots of people. We would like to thank SFA staff, Martin Rae, Graeme Sutherland and Peter Budge along with Ross Jack, Danny MacDonald and Steven Munro who in the past have all been very supportive of our ventures both locally and nationally and have contributed to our successes. Brora may be a small community but it has a big heart and everyone should feel very proud of this great success."

Headteacher Jackie Robertson said: "We took up the challenge of the SFA Quality Mark to prove that the coaching delivered to the teams at Brora meets the nationally recognised standard for coaching and development. Children from a variety of local schools benefit as we offer an open door policy regarding the development side of the game.

"Our coaching team have worked hard and it is a huge achievement to have gained this accreditation. We are the only school in the north area, let alone primary school to have achieved this and I would like to thank pupils and parents, both past and present for their support and also the local business community for sponsorship over the years."

Chairman of The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee, Councillor Bill Fernie said: "Brora Primary School should feel very proud of being the first school in the area to achieve this Award. It recognises the hard work and dedication of the group of coaches, volunteers and the young pupils themselves who are a credit to the whole community. Well done to you all."

The schools next goal is to achieve Level 2 by the end of next term and staff and pupils will be continuing to work closely with the SFA.

Martin Rae from Ross County Football Club will visit the school tomorrow (Thursday 2 July) to present the Award at a special school assembly.