Pubdate: Sun, 12 Jul 1998
Source: Scotland on Sunday
Contact: GAME PLAN

In football terms Scotland are nowhere near Europe's elite. In terms of
lung cancer, drugs, heart disease and alcohol, we are by far and away
European Champions. Why do the Dutch (with the most liberal laws on drugs
in the world) start to teach children as young as five how to play the game?

Improved coaching and facilities would be a bonus, but we must address
young people's attitude in Scotland towards drugs and alcohol. Teaching how
to play with smaller balls on smaller pitches may improve skills but not
necessarily attitudes.

David A Balfour, Aberdeen

- ---