Fund In The Sun For Our Kids

Jan 13 2008 By Gordon Waddell

THE SFA have plundered a little-known European fund to send five top youth sides on winter training camps in Cyprus.

The Under-19s from Inverness, St Mirren, Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Livingston have all been fully funded for their two-week sunshine shift.

And Tom Docherty, manager of the SFA's National Youth Project, wants more teams to apply. He said: "The money comes from the Leonardo Da Vinci fund. It's worth billions and is open to anyone.

"We've been using it for five years. Sides are away in Cyprus and there's space for another six this summer - although they can choose when and where to go.

"To get the funding teams must submit their training regime and all their other plans - down to diet, experiencing local coaching and playing games against local sides."