Arnold Clark Kilmarnock Ford welcomed local school pupils into the branch for some expert coaching from representatives of Scottish Championship side Ayr United. The squad from Whatriggs Primary had the rare chance to play football inside a branch and enjoyed some challenges and training from Football Development Officer Ross Armour and first team goalkeeper Ellis Hare-Reid.
The 18 players were split into different teams as they took part in a series of timed drills, including taking penalties against the professional goalkeeper and testing their accuracy at chipping various sizes of footballs into baskets at a distance.
The young footballers then took part in a competition to see who could kick the ball into the back of a brand-new Ford Tourneo, all under the careful supervision of Transit Centre Manager Stuart Black, who made sure the people carrier escaped without any dents. (Someone really should have told him they were using foam balls.)
Stuart said: ‘This was a great opportunity to build relationships within the community. We’re delighted to sponsor Whatriggs Primary School and we have a longstanding relationship with Ayr United and as they both share a passion for football, it made perfect sense to bring them together for a lively afternoon. It’s been different to have the branch transformed into a training pitch but it’s great to see all these young people having such a good time.’
After they had been put through their paces, the young players were all given a goody bag containing some Arnold Clark gear including balloons, water bottles, ponchos and our ever-popular sunglasses. And even though most of the youngsters were Kilmarnock fans, they were still star struck to meet their local rivals’ keeper, with Ellis signing plenty of autographs.
Ross Armour said: ‘We’ve got Ellis from the first team along today and you can see that the kids are so engaged with him. He’s great with them as well – he’s got a great personality. Because the players are accessible, the young people look up to them. Even though we’re in enemy territory here in Kilmarnock, you can see how great the kids were and they made us feel very welcome.’
Thanks to Ayr United for their support and good luck to Whatriggs Primary School for the season ahead.