Let my son watch Scotland stars follow in his uncle's footsteps, says James McFadden's sister
Pressure mounts on headteachers to show Scotland's Euro 2020 opener in class on Monday
Last updated 11th Jun 2021
The sister of former Scotland star James McFadden says she'll be devastated if her 8-year-old son misses their return to the major stage.
Callan's school, in Baillieston, is among those with no plans to show Scotland's Euro 2020 opener at Hampden Park against Croatia on Monday during class.
Nicola McFadden says she doesn't want kids missing out on potentially witnessing another iconic Scotland moment like when his uncle scored against France in the Euro 2008 qualification match in Paris in 2007.
"A wee bit of history"
She told Forth 1 News: "It's massive and I want him to believe he could be the next person in ten years time running out with a Scotland strip on.
"We should be encouraging the kids to be inspired by this, to follow their dreams. Football is a big part of a lot of boys' and girls' lives and why not let them feel the excitement and feel a part of this, because this could be a once in a lifetime event for them as well.
"This is a wee bit of history. I don't want him to have to be waiting 22 years or sitting with his son not being able to remember watching these games."
A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “There has been no directive from head office about watching football matches.
"Schools will make a decision themselves and whether it fits into a particular learning experience for their young people.”
Parents and pupils across Scotland have been lobbying headteachers to turn on the tv sets on Monday afternoon.
10 year-old Poppy Lord from Clydebank persuaded her headteacher at St Stephens' Primary in Clydebank to change her mind with an open letter to Jane Crombie.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: "This is a matter for schools, but the First Minister knows that children and young people will be willing Scotland to win their first match on Monday."