By Alex Caldow & Finlay Howel
PUPILS from a Peeblesshire primary parked the bus at Hampden on Monday.
Newlands youngsters were taking part in the Tesco Bank Football Challenge at the home of Scottish football.
Monday's football fun day gave the pupils the opportunity to play four-a-side games, learn some ball skills and try some non-competitive challenges.
And they got to meet a few stars of the game.
Scotland and Hearts player, Callum Paterson, and Leanne Ross, also a Scottish international and a Glasgow City player, captained two opposing teams of young footballers.
They competed in a penalty shootout with both teams attempting to beat the keeper.
Callum said: “It has been a fantastic day here at Hampden, and amazing to see so many boys and girls have a brilliant time on the pitch.”
The Tesco bank Football Challenge's football participation programme has allowed 10,000 kids from across Scotland to play and enjoying football.
Leanne is a big supporter of the initiative. She told us: “The Tesco bank Football Challenge provides brilliant experiences for children across Scotland.”
Jim Fleating, Director of Football Development at the Scottish FA, was also encouraged by the level of enthusiasm from the youngsters.
He said: “The Tesco Bank Football Challenge National Festival at Hampden Park is always a great event.
"The programme uses the power of football to encourage children to have fun while developing a range of physical and social skills, and today's event is a culmination of the work that has been going on all around the country.”
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