“Sport may be where some children feel happiest”

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean has praised Musselburgh Windsor FC for promoting children’s rights. 

Ms Killean spent an evening at the East Lothian club when children were training.

Commissioner Nicola said: “I’ve had an amazing time, and it was great to see how much the children get out of being  a part of the club. What’s happening at Musselburgh Windsor isn’t just children having fun, although of course that is really important. There’s a vital link between sport and children’s rights. Participating in sport can help children access a range of rights, like their right to play, and their right to the best possible health. We know sport benefits physical health, but it can improve mental health too.   

“Sport can also positively impact children’s right to development and socialisation. It can help them build resilience, and develop problem-solving and social skills. For some children, taking part in sport may be when they feel at their happiest.   

“Through sport, children can build positive relationships with their peers, and with trusted adults. And of course all those things have social, economic and public health benefits as well including tackling social exclusion and reducing inequalities.”  

Club President Scott Robertson – who has been involved with the club for almost 30 years – said: “The most important part of Musselburgh Windsor FC and indeed any club is the young players. That is why we are all here. They are the reason coaches and volunteers commit so much time and effort. The kids make the club. They are so positive and love their football. They benefit on a physical, emotional and mental health level from being involved in the game.

“It was a pleasure to host the Commissioner this evening at our home ground here at Pinkie Playing Fields. Our club has flourished over seven decades, starting with just two teams, and we now have nearly 1,000 young players active every week. We try to do things as best we can, and our success is due to the dedication and unrelenting effort of our volunteer coaches. We have a fantastic Board that oversees the running of the club and together we can provide a safe and enjoyable environment for players to participate in football.”

Musselburgh Windsor is one of Scotland’s oldest and largest football clubs and has teams for boys, girls, men, and women, as well as walking football.