An Edinburgh football-themed learning course is helping adults improve their literacy and numeracy skills.
The 10-week programme, titled Back of the Net, uses the sport to engage participants in a relaxed environment while boosting their reading, writing, communication, and digital skills.
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Back of the Net. (Image: Hazel Lyons)
Delivered in Edinburgh by Space at The Broomhouse Hub and funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, the course is aimed at adults who may have missed out on education or face barriers such as dyslexia or dyscalculia.
The programme offers football-related discussions, writing exercises, guest speakers from the world of football, and tours of the Scottish Football Museum and other local stadiums, including Hampden Park.
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Back of the Net. (Image: Hazel Lyons)
Back of the Net follows a similar earlier scheme, Glory and Dismay: The Story of Football.
Past visitors to the programme include Scottish author Ian Rankin, former Hibernian striker Laurie Reilly, and ex-Hearts players Gary Mackay, Andy Webster, and Derek Ferguson.
Former Scottish football manager Shelly Kerr and Homeless World Cup founder Mel Young also previously took part.
According to the National Literacy Trust, 26.7% of adults in Scotland, around 931,000 people, face challenges due to a lack of literacy skills.
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A Back of the Net participant said: “It’s made me able to do a bit of writing and organise my thoughts, which is good.”
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Participants are also given opportunities to meet and interview former and current football professionals.
Another participant said: “I learnt more about Scottish football, and I have a great appreciation of it now.”
The course also addresses broader social issues, covering topics such as racism, sectarianism, homophobia, and sexism through open discussions and guest speakers.
A participant said: “It has been good just to talk about football in a fun and relaxed environment.”