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Motherwell FC Community Trust have secured £44,000 worth of funding from Comic Relief to develop and deliver a ‘Football for Families’ programme aimed at helping to build family relationships in Lanarkshire.

Over a two-year period, community coaches and other staff within the Trust will work with over 80 families across Lanarkshire using the football as an analogy for the family team.

Using footballing language the programme will deliver key messages around family life using football phrases such as ‘Get off the Bench’ and ‘Work as a Team’.

Each session in the programme will consist of a classroom activity within the Learning Centre using interactive materials developed for the programme and a physical activity component. During both the classroom and the physical sections parent and child will be partnered to complete the activities.

Classroom activities will include sessions on teamwork delivered by player, highlighting why teamwork is important for achieving aims and goals.

[pullquote]Through the ‘Football for Families’ programme we are delighted to be able to use the power of football in this innovative way where families will learn to work together as a team, as the first team squad do here at Motherwell, and how that can lead to many positive benefits.”[/pullquote]

– Charlie Bennett

Referees will deliver sessions on playing by the rules, linking rules in football back to the family environment, and coaches will deliver sessions on target and goal setting and why setting personal and team goals can help families rebuild trust.

Another session ‘Sing while you’re winning’ will reinforce the importance of family members supporting each other and providing nurture and encouragement to other family members in a positive manner. Other classroom sessions will cover the negative effects of alcohol and substance misuse on the family and its individual members, and the importance of diet, and exercise in maintaining a healthy family life.

Physical activity sessions will centre around football however other activities will be available including Tae Kwon Do, basketball, badminton, and zumba. These sessions will be structured in such a way to ensure family members must work together as part of a small team, therefore helping to rebuild their relationships.

An important component of the programme will be the ‘Dads and Lads’ module. Through this dads will have the opportunity to attain Scottish Football Association Coaching Certificates at children’s Level.

A raft of interactive learning resources will also be available to support the programme. These will range from workbooks through to games and quizzes, again across footballing themes. Each one will be aimed at specifically supporting positive family relationships.

Commenting on the award Charlie Bennett, General Manager of the Community Trust said “Football is part of the fabric of our society and has the power to motivate people to profoundly change their lives for the better.

“Through the ‘Football for Families’ programme we are delighted to be able to use the power of football in this innovative way where families will learn to work together as a team, as the first team squad do here at Motherwell, and how that can lead to many positive benefits.

“We would also like to thank our Comic Relief for their funding.”

If you would like any more information on any of our programmes please call us on 01698 239 926 or email us at community@motherwellfc.co.uk

At today’s SPL General Meeting, SPL clubs unanimously approved the introduction of an Under 20 League from season 2012/13.

The introduction of the Under 20 League forms an important part of Scottish FA Performance Director Mark Wotte’s review of the Elite Player Pathway.

All SPL clubs will participate in the Under 20 League and the SPL Board may also permit a club or clubs in the SFL to participate in the Under 20 League.

Neil Doncaster, SPL Chief Executive, said: “Providing the right platform for developing young Scottish players is vital for the whole of Scottish football and I am delighted to announce the introduction of an Under 20 League from next season.

“Working in conjunction with the Scottish FA, I would hope this goes someway to reducing the development gap between the current Under 19 League and the Clydesdale Bank Premier League to better equip young players for the demands of first team football and aiding the development of more and better young Scottish players for the Scotland national team.”

Mark Wotte, Scottish FA Performance Director: “I am delighted at the decision of the SPL clubs today to approve the introduction of the Under-20 League. This is a fundamental part of the Scottish FA’s Performance Strategy and it will be vital in bridging the gap between the current under-19s and the first-team squads.

“I am hugely encouraged by the positive discussions that have taken place between the SPL and the Scottish FA and, in particular, the support of the clubs’ Heads of Youth and chairmen during the period of consultation.”

Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “Today’s decision is a major step forward in the football bodies working together in the best interests of the game. Mark Wotte has identified the Under-20 League as a key driver of the Performance Strategy and I am delighted the clubs share his vision.”

It is time for you to decide who you think deserves to win the Cash Converters Player of the Month for March.

All you need to do is vote for which ‘Well player you think has been the stand-out performer for March and you could be chosen at random from all entries received, to congratulate our star man in person at Fir Park!

After hitman Michael Higdon bagged the award to go along with his scoring form can he make it back-to-back awards or do you think another of the Steelmen deserves the award for March?

Or maybe Henrik Ojamaa’s two goals (Dunfermline and Rangers) make him a candidate? Or what about Chris Humphrey? The Jamaican winger has been excellent since his return to the team and has pitched in with a number of assists?

To cast your vote, simply visit our Cash Converters SPL Facebook page or by CLICKING HERE.

The link will also give you the opportunity to enter the draw to take part in the next Convert for Cash challenge, and the chance to win a whole host of other prizes including tickets and amazing giveaways

For the March Player of the Month – VOTE HERE.

Motherwell FC Community Trust has secured a six-figure funding package to upgrade the current astrotrurf pitch behind the East Stand to a FIFA1 surface which will be widely available for community use when completed during early summer 2012.

Work will begin on the new surface in the middle of April and will finish the last week of May as the Trust continues to develop Fir Park as a community campus capable of accommodating a wide range of community programmes.

Charlie Bennett, General Manager of Motherwell Football Club Community Trust commented “This is a really important initiative as it gives people within our local communities, schools, and other partner agencies a fantastic surface to deliver sport activities from.

“This is made even more important with the Scottish Government, local government, and the health services placing a strong focus on encouraging people to stay healthy and active.”

Over the last year the Community Trust has also refurbished the former corporate boxes in the Cooper Stand to create a number of community spaces that are used to deliver programmes ranging from employability through to literacy and numeracy skills.

Increasingly other partners such as the Prince’s Trust and North Lanarkshire Council are also using these facilities to deliver their own courses ensuring Fir Park, and Motherwell Football Club is now playing its part at the heart of the Lanarkshire community.

The pitch upgrade has been made possible by funding from the Scottish Football Partnership, the Environmental Key Fund, and the Waste Recycling Environmental Limited.

Our offer of a free venue at Fir Park Stadium to all season ticket holders has been hugely successful in both the Centenary & Davie Cooper Suites.

With the diary filling up really quickly for the middle and end of 2012 and even into 2013, you’ll need to be quick to secure the date you’re after. 

For more information, contact us on 01698 338008 for available dates, entertainment packages and party food.

Take a look at the various venues we have on offer by clicking the Virtual Tour link below.

A Nicky Law goal ten minutes from time cancels out Garry O’Connor’s first-half opener as Hibs and Motherwell share the points at Easter Road this afternoon.

-WATCH BOTH GOALS ON MFC TV-

Youngster Stuart Carswell admitted he and his ‘Well teammates were satisfied with a point although they went to Easter Road looking for all three.

The Steelmen had to come from behind to grab a point but dominated possession for large periods of the match without turning it into real chances in front of Graham Stack’s goal.

Carswell, who partnered Keith Lasley in the middle of the park turned in an accomplished performances, said, “We were coming here to win the three points although, with 75 minutes gone and a goal down, you take a point every time.

“I thought in the second half we absolutely dominated and if we had got that goal earlier, we could have gone on and pushed for a second but coming away from here with a point is not the worst result.

“Playing in midfield we had so much time on the ball but we couldn’t go forward. We had to go wide as they were sitting deep and we had some good deliveries into the box. On another day, Higgy could have had three goals but it just wasn’t landing right for him.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

Stuart McCall was pleased with the spirit of his squad after they battled back for a well-earned point at Easter Road this afternoon.

The Steelmen went a goal behind to a terrific Garry O’Connor free-kick on the half hour mark as Pat Fenlon’s men had the better of the first period.

A much-improved Motherwell dominated most of the second half and were eventually rewarded with a goal ten minutes from time courtesy of midfield maestro Nicky Law.

“I don’t think we were really poor in the first half,” said the Motherwell boss “I just think for all the possession we had, we just didn’t create enough opportunities.”

“We were reasonably comfortable. They always carry a threat with Griffiths and O’Connor up front and I thought that Sproule, in his defensive work, helped them massively.

“Overall I thought we had control of the game and in the second half I always thought the goal was coming.  At half time the message was go for the three points; we weren’t looking for a point and I think the second half performance merited at least what we got.

“It’s a decent point though. (I have) Mixed emotions but as I say, it’s been done without three experienced players with Hammell, Jennings and Stephen Craigan all out. Overall I’m just about happy.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

Pictures from the 1-1 draw with Hibernian in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Easter Road.

These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Kris Jack at Easter Road

Nicky Law’s magnificent half-volley twelve minutes from time secured another precious point in the race for third place as ‘Well came from behind to draw 1-1 with Hibernian this afternoon.

A first half free kick from Gary O’Connor looked to be setting Hibs on their way to only their second home win of the season as Motherwell failed to get to grips with the game in the first half.

However, the Steelmen had much the better of the second half and deservedly came away with a point thanks to Law’s late strike. McCall’s men finished the game with ten men as Jonathan Page received his marching orders for a late second booking.

Suspensions to Steven Hammell and Steve Jennings meant Stuart McCall had to shuffle the pack to fill in the midfield and defensive gaps. Tim Clancy was moved to left back in Hammell’s absence, with Jonathan Page deputising in the middle of defence with Shaun Hutchinson. Stuart Carswell was Jennings’ replacement to partner Keith Lasley in the midfield.

Pat Fenlon made one change to his Hibernian side, with Tom Soares replacing Richie Towell who dropped out of the squad completely.

Chris Humphrey started brightly on the wide Easter Road pitch ghosting past Pa Kujabi only to play his low ball behind the onrushing Nicky Law and Michael Higdon. Tim Clancy then made decent contact, when he headed Law’s corner goalward, but Graeme Stack easily plucked the ball out of the air.

As the game swung from end to end, Law flashed an effort wide form inside the box, when Humphrey’s driven cross hit him in the midriff, but his shot was well wide of target. Keith Lasley then had to make a vital block on twelve minutes, as Griffiths shaped to shoot from 16 yards, after Ivan Sproule had outfoxed Tom Hateley on the right.

The stand in skipper then started a great one touch move with Humphrey and Higdon, which played in Henrik Ojamaa, but he couldn’t find space in the box and had to settle for a corner. As the set piece bounced around the box, Jonathan Page was booked for a late challenge on Stack after the ‘keeper had collected the ball.

Hibs first real attempt came when Griffiths set up Isaiah Osbourne, after taking advantage of a slip by Clancy, but the midfielder blazed his shot well over as Hibs upped their attacking game.

You could sense Hibs were starting to get the upper hand when Sproule flashed a shot wide after a great ball by Griffiths. It looked to be touched wide by Randolph but a goal kick was given much to the relief of everyone in silver. In reply, Ojamaa shot wide after turning McPake on the edge of the Hibs box, just before the home side took the lead.

Lasley brought down Sproule on the edge of the box on 29 minutes, which allowed O’Connor to pick his spot and rifle a free kick past the wall and in to the top corner. It was a great strike to put Hibernian in to the lead and was yet another goal for O’Connor against the Steelmen.

Griffiths came close to extending Hibs’ lead before the interval when he raced onto an Osbourne ball but his effort form the edge of the box was dealt with well by Randolph.

It was 1-0 at the break and a much improved performance was required in the second half if ‘Well were to get anything from the game.

The home side were first to threaten in the second period, when a thunderous thirty-yard effort from Soares cracked off the bar. It was a great strike but would almost be the last Hibs would show as an attacking for as Motherwell stepped up their game and went on to dominate

Humphrey looked to get the better of Kujabi as often as he could, but his crosses were too high for Higdon to get any purchase on three occasions in quick succession. Shaun Hutchinson then had a volley deflected over for a corner, which fell at Lasley’s feet, but he couldn’t get his shot away.

Ojamaa was then subbed for Jamie Murphy to add some pace to the attack, where the Estonian’s trickery wasn’t working. Hibernian left back Kujabi then provided a moment of mirth when he took a free kick 30 yards from goal. His Roberto Carlos-esque run looked threatening but only resulted in a horrendous effort which grazed the corner flag on its way out much to the hilarity of most inside Easter Road.

Stuart Carswell was replaced by Omar Daley with around 20 minutes left and despite being booked for his first involvement, he was pivotal in Motherwell’s leveller on 78 minutes. Humphrey and Hateley combined on the right, with the latter spotting Daley’s front post run and picking him out. The Jamaican’s lay off to Lasley was half cleared by Soares only as far as Nicky Law at the edge of the box who took the ball on the half volley and dispatched a fantastic strike in to the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Wotherspoon was booked for hauling down Humphrey on the right hand side as the Steelmen sensed blood but Hateley’s free kick was too long for anyone to connect with.

As the game spilled in to added on time, Hibs sub O’Donovan and Page had a foot race to get on to a long ball with the young defender adjudged to have nudged the Hibs’ sub in their attempt to win the ball. Referee O’Reilly brandished a second yellow and subsequent red for the youngster for conceding the free kick, which O’Connor blasted over from a similar position to which he scored.

It was the last action of an otherwise entertaining game, if a little light on actual goalmouth action; both sides probably accepting a point in the circumstances.

[tab:As it happened]

Alan Burrows at Easter Road

93mins – Full Time! Points are shared here at Easter Road.

90mins – Thankfully this time his effort goes miles over the bar! ‘Well are going to put on young Steven Saunders for the last few minutes. Defender returns after eight months out!

90mins – Jonathan Page is off for a second bookable offence. Trip on O’Donovan! O’Connor is gonna strike the free kick again (oh no :-()

87mins – Hateley gives away a daft free kick. Thankfully for the Steelmen they don’t capitalise and it’s still 1-1.

86mins – Hibs replace Griffiths with O’Donovan

85mins – Hibs have a free-kick that causes panic in the Motherwell defence. Higdon is forced to concede a corner.

82mins – Big ball over the top has Griffiths away. Hutchinson does well to narrow the angle and the striker blasts way over…

80mins – Good move down the right. Humphrey to Hateley cuts back for Daley. He dinks it back for Las who curls in a cross. Soares header lads at Law who swept the ball into the net! 1-1!

GOAL – NIIIICKKKKYYYYY LAWWW!

73mins – Daley comes on to play on the left flank but is quickly ushered up top with Murphy operating on the left flank.

72mins – Omar Daley comes on for ‘Well too… Stuart Carswell is coming off.

72mins – Wotherspoon coming on for Hibs in place of Ivan Sproule…

68mins – Pa Kujabi lines up a long range free kick Roberto Carlos style. Being kind, it was perhaps one of the worst you’ll ever see! Corner flag!

66mins – Ojamaa off and is replaced by Murphy. It was a difficult afternoon for the Estonian. Nothing really worked out at all!

63mins – O’Connor is booked for a niggle with Jon Page. A minute or so later, Humphrey is booked for a trip.

60mins – Hour gone and no doubt ‘Well have been better in the second half. Still not giving Stack much, if any, work to do though.

56mins – Law’s cross into the box falls to Hutchinson (still up from FK) inside the area but his shot is blocked over for a corner to ‘Well.

52mins – Humphrey is fouled as he darts towards the box… Free-kick for ‘Well. Hateley curls it in by Higdon again heads over.

51mins – Corner finds Higdon inside the box but his header loops over with Stack not troubled by the striker’s effort…

51mins – Brilliant work on the flank by Humphrey. Wins the ball then takes ‘Well 70 yards up the park to win a corner…

48mins – Down the other end, ‘Well get a half chance with Lasley but his low effort is blocked by McPake (I think)

47mins – Tom Soares, with time and space, curls a cracking shot off the bar. Motherwell escape there….

46mins – Early corner from the Steelmen. Looked all too easy for Stack but he dropped it. Can’t capitalise though… Still 1-0 Hibs!

46mins – Hibs get the second forty-five underway here at Easter Road.

HT: Motherwell are back out on the park… No changes as yet from the Steelmen. Let’s hope for a better second half!

HT: Will be interesting to see if there are any changes for the Steelmen at the break. The manager may opt to mix it up a little…

45mins – Half time and it is 1-0 Hibs who just about deserve their lead. Motherwell have been sluggish in the first half…

43mins – Anything Motherwell create is breaking down at the last moment I am afraid. It’s been a frustrating afternoon at Easter Rd thus far

41mins – it was a fairly even first half-hour or so but Hibs on top since the goal. ‘Well are sloppy at the moment. Half time welcome break.

40mins – ‘Well almost shoot themselves in the foot. Slack ball allows Pa Kujabi but Hutchinson mops up the danger, even winning a goal kick.

38mins – Humphrey, arguably ‘Well’s biggest threat, creates a half chance for Higdon with a cutback but the shot goes way wide.

36mins – Hibs are getting to the ball to stick to both O’Connor and Griffiths whereas Higdon and Ojamaa are struggling to get a grip hold.

35mins – Leigh Griffith’s low shot is saved by Randolph low to his near post. That followed a Stevenson effort that blazed way over!

33mins – Ojamaa harshly punished for a coming together with Hanlon. Didn’t look like a foul at all from here…

31mins – That’s the first real chance at goal of the match and Hibs go in front. Will be interesting to see how ‘Well react…

GOAL HIBS – Super free-kick from O’Connor leaves Darren Randolph helpless. Bullet into the top corner. 1-0 Hibs

29mins – Foul on Sproule gives a dangerous free-kick on the edge. O’Connor or Griffiths to hit it…

25mins – Motherwell’s response is a long drive from Ojamaa that zooms high into the stands!

24mins – Ivan Sproule’s low shot from the edge of the box is turned round by Randolph. Even better, ‘Well get a goal kick to boot…

23mins – Great block from Hutchinson denies what would probably would’ve been a goal for O’Connor. Randolph there to scoop loose ball…

21mins – Griffiths brings Hibs up the park with a good run on the counter. His cutback eventually lands at Osbourne who fires way over!

18mins – Booking for Page for that challenge which i think is fairly harsh. Youngster has got to go for that ball surely? There to be won?

18miins – Motherwell win a corner after a lovely one-touch passing move. Corner eventually drops in front of goal but Page catches Stack

15mins – Fairly low-key first 15 minutes here at Easter Road. Both teams have shown some attacking intent but nothing of real note so far…

11mins – Nicky Law’s snapshot goes way wide of the post despite the old ‘Ohhhhhhhhssss’ from the away stand.

7mins – Stevie O’Reilly isn’t making himself popular with the home faithful after a couple of calls go Motherwell’s way….

6mins – Some nice interplay by Hibs on the edge of the ‘Well box but Griffith’s low cross is smothered by Randolph…

5mins – A Nicky Law corner finds Tim Clancy inside the box but the former Killie man’s header is easy enough for Stack to clutch…

4mins – Wee half chance there for the Steelmen. Humphrey bursts down the left but his cross is behind Ojamaa and Law and the chance is lost.

1min – McCall has opted for Clancy at left-back – Jon Page will operate at centre back with Shaun Hutchinson…

1min – Motherwell get the match underway but already Hibs have a throw-in.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“I felt today there were lots of times, Henrik (Ojamaa), (Keith) Lasley twice, had opportunities to get it out their feet and strike it.

“I felt the goal was coming. I was pleased with Omar (Daley) getting across the defender, he sets it back to Lasley. What they had done well all day, they won the headers in the box.

“But Lawsy’s touch and finish, he has obviously been watching DVDs of my shots from outside the box. At the beginning of the season he should be looking to hit 10, I know it’s a big ask for a midfielder.

“He has had a little glut recently, he only had one up to Christmas. But he should do that more because he has good ability to hit a ball.” 

Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon:

“We played a good side today and I think they deserved a point, their second-half performance was very good.

“But I’m pleased with my own players as well. I thought the first-half performance was very good, we showed a bit of confidence from last week.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t hang on, but a point was probably a fair result.” 

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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