ASPIRING Wee County footballers have secured an opportunity to play at the Etihad Stadium next month.

Alloa Football 5ives and Lochgelly will play in the 14th Home Internationals at Manchester City’s stadium after reaching the final of the Coalfields Regenerations Trust Community Cup.

Hosted by CRT, the Community Cup took place at New Central Park, Kelty and saw a great turn out with the chair of CRT, trustees and local partners in attendance.

The Home Internationals tournament, which is taking place next month in Manchester, provides youths between the ages of 14-16 years old with the chance to compete against Game On Wales and Game on England to win the highly sought after title.

Created by CRT to help raise aspirations and unite groups of young people from coalfield communities across the UK through football, the tournament itself involves a six-team group round robin followed by a final for the top two teams. The games are five aside with rolling subs.

Bob Young, CRT Trustee in Scotland, said: “It was fantastic to see such a high turnout for the tournament from venues across our Football 5ives programme, a huge thanks to everyone involved.

“Our Football 5ives programme not only provides youngsters with a chance to play football for free but also provides a positive, safe and fun destination for youngsters across former coalfield areas.

“It’s surreal to think that we are now marking the 14th year and we’re really excited to reach even more milestones with this initiative.

“Sport has such power to bring people together and this is a shining example of exactly that.”

Alex Brown, Trustee and Coach at the WASP Community club, added: “CRT are to be commended for promoting football as the means of keeping these players involved and the effects on their self-confidence are all positive.

“I wish CRT the best of luck in promoting this format in the future.

“The kids involved are the very ones that get lost in the game of football. Despite there being a great range in their football ability there was no doubt about the enthusiasm for the game from everyone involved.”

Those interested in taking part in the next Coalfields Community Cup tournament can get involved in the weekly Game On Football 5ives sessions aimed at 14-16 years old.

Each session is held by a fully qualified coach who facilitate the ‘Turn & Play’ sessions. Find out more about the latest sessions, programmes and news via @gameonscotland on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.