YOUTHS across Clacks can look to get involved in a free five-a-side football team, with entry into an international competition on the cards.

Game On Scotland, organised by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT), aims to allow teenagers who may be hindered geographically or financially to partake in sports, predominantly football.

This year, two teams from the Wee County will be participating in the CRT Community Cup, held at the Indodrill Stadium, home to Alloa Athletic.

Five-a-side teams from Alloa and Tullibody will be entered into the tournament against other teams across the country on June 4, with the two finalists going on to represent Scotland against two other home nations.

Sean Laird, Game On development manager for CRT, said: “As for Clacks, we have two weekly football fives sessions that run – one in Alloa in partnership with the Wasps and one in Tullibody at the Civic Centre.

“Some of these kids might have never been out of their home town. From this, they get a trip away, all inclusive, on top of a stadium tour and a visit to City’s training ground.

“It’s a pretty cool pathway but ultimately, the weekly sessions are there to give them a positive destination.”

GAME ON: Five-a-side teams from Alloa and Tullibody will compete in the CRT Community Cup with the chance to represent Scotland internationally. Pictures from Game On Scotland.

GAME ON: Five-a-side teams from Alloa and Tullibody will compete in the CRT Community Cup with the chance to represent Scotland internationally. Pictures from Game On Scotland.

Alloa has had past success in the Home Internationals tournament, beating England and Wales at the Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City Football Club.

The team made it to the final in last year’s CRT Community Cup, ultimately losing in the final to Lochgelly. Both teams then journeyed to Manchester to play against the other home nations.

“Last year’s event was a huge success and this year,” Sean added.“We’re looking to grow that programme.

“We’re having a girls session too that we’re fitting in and we want as many people involved as possible.

“We also run groups aimed at primary school children, as an introduction to grassroots football which hopefully provides a pathway to their local team – whether that be Sauchie Juniors or Wasps Community Club.

“We’re growing the programme and we’re really looking forward to it this year.”

The football fives sessions are free to participate in and are held in Alloa at the Wasps on Fridays between 5pm-7pm with the Tullibody sessions held at the Civic Centre on Fridays from 6pm-8pm.