A North Lanarkshire potato supplier has teamed up with a Scotland national team star to help disadvantaged young people.
Albert Bartlett, based in Airdrie, have pledged to support 12 young people to participate in the Hope for Youths, GOAL programme run by the AR26 Charity, founded and led by Scotland Captain Andy Robertson.
AR26’s programme provides an alternate education initiative utilising football as the line of engagement to re-engage those disengaged from an early secondary school timetable or at risk of disengaging
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Albert Bartlett described the move as "investing" in the next generation of talent as they look to help children on and off the pitch.
Layne White, HR manager at Albert Bartlett said: "It is with great excitement we are partnering with AR26 to launch the Hope for Youths, GOAL programme in Airdrie.
"Every young person deserves the same opportunity to develop and be the best version of themselves.
"Over the duration of the programme, we will be providing not only hands on work experience but also an insight into food safety, sustainability, and product development which will hopefully inspire the young people to think about a future career at Albert Bartlett.
"We cannot wait to see what the future holds for these individuals.”
The aim of the AR26 organisation is to provide all-important first chances in life, and reengage young people who are predominantly disengaged with school in learning and add focus to their future through football.
The charity was launched in 2020 by the Scotland Captain and his wife Rachel.
The current programme is supporting twelve secondary two and three pupils from Airdrie Academy and St Margaret’s RC High School
Along with the Hope for Youths initiative, Albert Bartlett is also helping sponsor AR26’s free Football for All programme in Airdrie delivering free football on Tuesday evenings and free fun, food, and football throughout school holidays to young people aged 6-14 years.
Amanda Nisanci, head of partnerships at AR26 Charity said: "“AR26 is delighted to have this invaluable support from Albert Bartlett which allows us to take the programme to a new level.
"The aim was that the participants complete the programme with enhanced confidence and self-belief, new and improved skills, a better awareness of careers linking to football but transferable to many industries.
"This programme will nurture harder-to-reach young people to engage them in alternate education to ensure they feel important and supported at a critical time in their lives.
"This experience will provide a first-class opportunity that participants can utilise to help them on their journey towards a fulfilling future and provide a unique learning opportunity.
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