Free food and football sessions will be available as a lifeline for families in Airdrie.

Youngsters between the ages of six to 14-years-old are being offered games on Tuesday nights with coaches and will be given healthy food to take away at the end of sessions.

The programme is run by charity AR26, which aims to create chances for children and close the gap on disadvantage and level the playing field.

As well as benefiting participants the programme also supports families and the wider community by taking young people off the street in a free, safe and engaging activity led by role model coaches during peak times of boredom and anti-social behaviour.

Glasgow Times: Children will get the chance to play football with coaches for freeChildren will get the chance to play football with coaches for free (Image: Sourced)

The provision also brings volunteering and job opportunities to local residents to engage with the programme to showcase their offering and further support participants and their families.

It comes after AR26 announced Albert Bartlett are sponsoring the programme in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire.

The support received from Albert Bartlett will support around 70 families with free, fun, food and football across Summer, October and Easter holidays, providing a vital help for many families.

Glasgow Times: Kids loved the free sessionsKids loved the free sessions (Image: Sourced)

Amanda Nisanci, AR26 Charity, Head of Partnerships said: “Having Albert Bartletts support in allowing us to launch a new Football for All region in Airdrie is extremely exciting.

“From the outset their commitment to their local community is inspiring and this forward-thinking partnership will allow us to go above and beyond the frontline programme itself by providing that further wrap-around support service to our beneficiaries’ families.

“We are thrilled to be launching the partnership at our Summer holiday Football for All Camp in Airdrie and excited for the year ahead.”

Glasgow Times: AR26 announced Albert Bartlett are sponsoring the programme in AirdrieAR26 announced Albert Bartlett are sponsoring the programme in Airdrie (Image: Newsquest)

Alex Bartlett, Albert Bartlett, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this fantastic new initiative in our hometown of Airdrie, as we celebrate our 75th year it is exciting to still work on new projects that enhance the community that has been at the heart of our business since we started trading back in 1948.

“Through our new partnership we will not only support young people to get involved in sport and healthy eating activities but will also showcase career opportunities available to young people in our business and across the wider food industry.”