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Last week, the Rangers Charity Foundation welcomed participants from its Wider Achievement programme to the Ibrox Community Complex for a series of football tournaments.

Across two days of seven-a-side fixtures, pupils from 16 partner schools took part, with Hyndland Secondary and Kings Park Secondary emerging as winners on days one and two respectively.

The Wider Achievement programme continues to support young people across Glasgow and beyond, helping them reconnect with education and build positive pathways for the future.

Working in partnership with a range of schools, the programme provides an alternative learning environment for pupils who may benefit from a more hands-on and engaging approach.

Participants attend Ibrox Stadium one day each week, where they work towards recognised qualifications, take part in vocational learning, engage with industry partners and develop key life and employability skills.

St Paul’s High School pupil, Lewis spoke after the tournament. He said:

“Today was really enjoyable and it was good to be able to play some football with my mates and build up some team spirit. It was a great way to round off my time here on Wider Achievement.”

“The programme has been great, especially how it’s setting us for later in life by giving us the chance to work towards qualifications.”

“On top of that having the opportunity to go out to places and begin thinking about jobs is a great experience.”

The tournament concluded on Friday with former Rangers midfielder and Foundation Trustee, Alex Rae, presenting the winning team with their trophy. Rae added:

“It’s been great to come down and visit the Wider Achievement programme today. It’s so important that the Foundation works with young people who may not be engaging in the school environment.”

“To be able to see everyone happy and enjoying themselves really brings home and highlights the important of this programme and the impact it can have on pupils.”

Delivered at the Ibrox Community Complex — a Qualifications Scotland Approved Centre — the Wider Achievement course enables participants to gain nationally recognised awards that celebrate personal development and wider skills.

The programme recognises the value of learning beyond the classroom, with achievements gained through activities such as sport, mentoring and volunteering across school, college and community settings.

Foundation Community Executive, Nicole Pullar added:

“The Wider Achievement programme is a big part of what we do, giving young people a different way to learn and build skills for the future. We’re currently working with around 19 school groups across several local authorities.

“Each week, they spend a day at Ibrox working towards their Qualifications Scotland awards, while also getting the chance to experience the world of work through our employability partners.

“Days like today are all about recognising the effort they’ve put in and everything they’ve achieved during their time on the programme.

“A lot of credit also goes to our staff and community coaches, who have worked closely with the groups throughout the year and have done a brilliant job delivering the programme.”

For further information on Wider Achievement or any of our education focussed community programmes please contact Jamie Duncanson on: jamieduncanson@rangers.co.uk or 0141 580 8740.