HELPING TKIDS IS MY GOAL

Ryan's football academy aims to give youngsters a focus

-  LYNN LOVE

AN EX-CELTIC youth player is helping transform the lives of kids through football in the hope of steering them away from youth violence.

Ryan Docherty, who founded On the Ball Academy on Crow Road, Glasgow, had dreams of making it at the highest level, having played in the same youth team as Aiden McGeady and Charlie Mulgrew, under the leadership of Tommy Burns.

But after spells at Dundee United and Queen's Park, Ryan gave up on his football dreams to try to improve the lives of young Scots.

Backing the Daily Record's Our Kids... Our Future campaign, Ryan said he knows the struggles youngsters face and hopes his academy can help guide them in the right direction.

The 37-year-old, of Knightswood, Glasgow, added: "The academy gives children somewhere to go and gives them focus. It keeps them off of the streets and their computers.

"I know the difficulties many children face, especially those living in deprived areas. Everyone deserves a chance and we hope that is what we're giving them.