A local pupil from Lasswade High School is playing a starring role in a football campaign featured on billboard across Scotland. From Edinburgh to Elgin the posters feature Lauren Watters (13) from Midlothian, who was chose from a large group of young people to appear in the national campaign. The advert features Lauren standing outside Lesser Hampden Park in Glasgow, Â where the national team trains.
A keen footballer herself, Lauren was picked to appear in the photo as part of the Bank of Scotland’s Midnight League – a national network of diversionary 5-a-side football targeting 12 to 16 year olds across the country.
Speaking about her starring role, Lauren said, “I was really excited to appear in these adverts advertising the Midnight League and it feels a bit strange seeing myself on a billboard. I love the slogan on the poster as I think it is so true.
“I have been playing football since I was 5 and it plays a big part in my life. I play for Hibs under 15 girls and am part of the South East Regional Squad and got into the South East Regional Squad after being part of the Midlothian Scottish FA Advance Girls development squad with Keith Wright.
“It was Keith who encouraged me to take part in the Midnight League with my friends and we have taken part for the past 2 years. We won the South East Regional finals this year at Tynecastle Stadium and then went on to win the National Finals at Airdrie United Stadium. My friends and I love playing in the Midnight League and it has given me lots of new opportunities.â€
Councillor Bob Constable, Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure, said, “It is fantastic to see Lauren, a local young person, take part in a campaign featured in billboards and national newspapers across Scotland. Not only does it put her at the forefront of her sport and proves her talent to the game, she is also an inspiration to other young people in the local area.â€
Midlothian Council works with the Scottish FA on football development opportunities for young people. They have a team of coaches who is headed up by Scottish FA and Midlothian Council Football Development Officer, Keith Wright.
Supported by the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme, the Bank of Scotland Midnight League programme has expanded over the last five years to be established in all 32 Scottish local authorities.