Strathaven Dynamo AFC’s players, coaches and officials have teamed up with the Scottish FA to help promote the inspirational ‘Let Them Play’ ethos to promote positive encouragement to all young players.
Teams from all age-groups gathered at the club’s W3ST pitch in Strathaven on Wednesday 20 March, to show off their new ‘Let Them Play’ training kit, and were joined by John Brown Scottish FA South West's Regional Manager and Colin McKendrick Scottish FA South West's Club Support Officer.
John Brown, said: “We are delighted that a progressive club like Strathaven Dynamo have really embraced the ethos and culture that our campaign represents.

“There are three main elements to our ‘Let Them Play’ message. The first is creating excellent facilities and playing opportunities, competitive and recreational, that allow everyone to play the game, all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

“The second is around positive game environments and supporters allowing the players to enjoy playing without added pressure from the sidelines.

“Thirdly, ‘Let Them Play’ is about coaches allowing the game to be the teacher and increasing the use of small sided games, and encouraging player autonomy and individual decision making. This develops better players.

“Strathaven Dynamo are committed to these principles, and we thank the club for their ongoing commitment to providing the best possible sporting experience for their community.”

Colin McKendrick, said: “It’s such an innovative and creative initiative by the club leaders at Strathaven Dynamos. Delivering such a consistent positive collective national message from one of our Quality Mark Platinum Clubs within the South West Region, should hopefully help create the correct friendly and safe environment for all our players to flourish and love the game.

“Having worked closely with Strathaven Dynamo AFC over the past several years within my Club Support Officer role, it’s clear the club - from top to bottom - is surrounded with good passionate people with great qualities, ensuring all young people have the best possible experience.”

Frank McGraw, Chairman of Strathaven Dynamo AFC, said: “Ever since 2007, when we first embarked on the SFA Quality Mark accreditation scheme, we have forged a fantastic relationship with the SFA South West Region, who have been a real catalyst to inspire what our club stands for today.

“When the SFA allowed us to promote their ‘Let Them Play’ message on our new Club training kit, it demonstrated how strong that bond has become between both parties.
“The ‘Let them Play’ message fits in perfectly with our Club ethos. This ethos is what we encourage our coaches and parents to demonstrate with positive encouragement to all players in the team and not just their own child.
“We as club leaders, coaches and parents are all responsible to support and provide encouragement to all our players and for them to feel that they are part of a team and to love the game. But It's not all about football. It's also about that sense of belonging and that's what we strive to achieve at Strathaven Dynamos.