Youth & facilities are key - MSPs

Kris Boyd wants more facilities like Rangers' Murray Park

Politicians who investigated the state of football in Scotland believe there is a consensus about the way forward for a revival of the nation's fortunes.

The Scottish Executive and the Scottish FA have told a Scottish parliamentary committee that a youth action plan and regional sports facilities are key.

But a proposed pyramid structure to allow smaller clubs promotion to the senior game is on hold.

Clubs rejected opening the Scottish Cup to junior clubs last season.

The idea of nationally-funded football academies has also been rejected and youth football will instead be developed through a series of regional football facilities.

Football must wait on a sportscotland audit, due in May, designed to help map the future for facilities available for all sports around the country before formulating its own next step.

It's not so much the number of pitches as the quality of them Kilmarnock striker Steven Naismith

But MSP Alex Neil is confident that the game can be revitalised and take Scotland's national team back among the top-ranked sides in the world.

"It was felt that an investigation was required to look at the future of football and, in particular, what the public sector could do to help the game both nationally and internationally," said the convenor of the enterprise and culture committee.

"I think our main concern was with the future of facilities.

"If you look at what's happened down south, for example, the Premiership in England is putting a lot of money into new facilities, match funded by the UK government.

"For us to stay up with the game, we have to invest heavily in new facilities.

"There is a general feeling that there's also a need for an improvement in the governance of the game, but that's for the football authorities to sort out."

The Scottish Parliament set up its inquiry 18 months ago as several Scottish football clubs plunged into financial crisis and the national team struggled in international competition.

It quickly focused on what should be done to develop youth football and increase the participation of fans and communities in their local clubs.

Both the Scottish Executive and SFA have also expressed support for women's football and the campaign against sectarianism.

And the SFA is already progressing its youth action plan.

Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who is nominated for the players' young player of the year award, welcomed any improvements that might result.

"We certainly need a few more facillities around the country to take us forward and help us challenge for European championships and Uefa Cups," he said.

"Rangers reached the last 16 of the Champions League this season, which was great.

"But there's still a big gulf between Celtic and Rangers and the top teams in Europe."

Former team-mate and fellow award candidate Steven Naismith recalled the days of playing on red ash pitches.

"It's not so much the number of pitches as the quality of them," he said.

"Youth team games are often called off in the winter and there aren't many indoor facilities."