Scottish Premiership midfielder, Shaun Byrne, lands first ambassador role.

Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) has appointed Dundee FC midfielder, Shaun Byrne, as the first ambassador for their ‘Game On’ Scotland initiative. The programme which launched last year aims to engage with local youth through sport and physical activity.

Starting out as a youth player, Byrne was discouraged from pursuing a career in football but has since gone on to play for the Celtic youth team and made league appearances for Dunfermline, Livingston and now Dundee FC. Through the initiative, Byrne will coach locally in Fife every Friday night, with attendance ranging from 20-50 children each evening. The sessions in partnership with local authorities, the Scottish Football Association and Police Scotland have been welcomed from the community.

‘Game on’ was launched this year as part of CRT’s work in helping mining communities recover from the devastating effects of pit closures and supporting a wide range of local initiatives. Part of its role, through direct delivery of sport-based activity, is to play a major part in addressing the growing health, skills and employment inequalities for boys and girls within coalfield communities across the country. CRT’s vision is to encourage healthy lifestyles and support young people and their families to be more active, more often.

Byrne commented: “It’s an exciting time for children to engage with sports as we see the nation coming together to celebrate big tournaments. The role CRT and physical activity plays in communities has proven to have huge benefits on children’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“I’m delighted to be the first ambassador for ‘Game On’ and hope the initiative will break down barriers for those wanting to participant in sports and physical activity.”

‘Game On’ development manager, Sean Laird, said: “After a challenging year for many children, we’re thrilled to be rolling out our ‘Game On’ initiative with our first ambassador. The addition of Shaun is a great appointment with his hands on experience and dedication to the community and game. We look forward to working closely with Shaun to meet each communities specific needs and raising the profile of the Game On programme across former coalfield areas.”

Keep up to date with all latest sessions, programmes and news via @gameonscotland Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and website.