Rangers captain James Tavernier stopped by at football pitches and met with children during a session run by Castlemilk Community Football Trust.
The trust host 'Free Play' days at Barlia Football Centre in Castlemilk during the school holidays where kids can go and play football and get lunch free of charge. The Gers hero dropped in unannounced on Friday, April 14, and spent time signing autographs and having his picture taken with the delighted youngsters.
Speaking to the Record, a spokesperson for Castlemilk Community Football Trust said: "The kids support different teams but they all loved it and James spent lots of time getting photos taken with them and giving autographs.
"He said it was brilliant to see us offer free access to the pitches over the school holidays to get kids playing the game. We are open on a daily basis, evening and weekends for local kids and families.
"Barlia is opened public holidays, even Christmas day and New year so that kids have a safe place to go that doesn't cost. James was also impressed by the fact that we have managed to save the facility at Barlia after it had been shut down for two years.
"In the 15 months since we got the facility reopened we have hosted more than 400 games and have between 750 - 1000 players participating each week. This is more than a football venue, Barlia is the heart of the community and a place where people come together and feel part of something."
Kirsty Waugh says her son Graham, 11, was delighted to have met his idol. She said: "He was up Barlia playing football and goes most days with his wee pals
"Tav was up with his wee boy and my Graham was just buzzing to meet the Rangers captain. He has been a season ticket holder since he was only three-years-old."
As part of the local group Castlemilk Together the trust run a holiday programme and also run their own FREE PLAY sessions.
The trust run sessions at the football pitches on a Wednesday for children in primary one to three and on a Thursday for young people from primary four to first year. Lunch is provided for children on these days.
On Monday, Tuesday and Friday they run their 'Free Play' sessions for children of all ages with snacks and refreshments available.
The trust have been supporting children in their the local community in Castlemilk for the last 13 years but are in need of new benefactors to help them carry on their work.
Anyone able to help out is urged to contact them on Facebook.
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