Buchanhaven Primary School in Peterhead made hugely impressive gains in pupil absence. This positive change was the result of a recent campaign led by ex-pupil Danny Strachan. Now serving as a community coach at the school, Strachan combines his passion for football with education, helping students enhance their dribbling skills while providing support in the classroom.
Danny Strachan is a Buchanhaven Primary school graduate who formerly walked those same halls as a student himself. Today he explains that these days, he mentors the next generation. His day-to-day job involves working with schoolchildren and supporting their development in football. The memoir dives into the academic issues these kids struggle with. It’s this dual approach that’s proven to be so beneficial. It is particularly beneficial for kids who struggled to readjust to a normal five-day school week after the pandemic interruptions.
Linda Strachan, head teacher and Danny’s mum, explained how proud she was that the initiative has succeeded. She mentioned how hard it was for kids to transition back to an in-person, five-days-a-week school schedule post-pandemic.
“Following the pandemic we had one or two boys and girls who found it really tricky to come back into school, especially five full days a week; we now have everybody back in school five full days a week.” – Linda Strachan
Their partnership with the Strachan family has helped create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for students. By integrating these brief, high-energy spurts of football into their routine, Strachan quickly gets the kids’ energy focused and makes sure they’re building friendly connections.
“We come in early to settle them down, get them into the environment and start their day off positively, maybe just with a little 10 minutes of football and a chat with me.” – Danny Strachan
This participatory and fun approach seems to be one factor in what Linda Strachan calls a “drastic rise” in daily attendance at the school. The program recognizes the significant role that football can play in children’s lives, providing not only physical activity but valuable role models.
We know that football has the potential to create a hugely positive impact on millions of lives. Footballers are phenomenal role models around the world. Linda Strachan explained, “We could see a gap in the school for a good role model, a male role model in particular.”
Parents have reported positive outcomes. His mom Leanne Beddie noticed her son has really had a chance to flourish in the personality program. He has developed quite an independent streak as he explores new academic and athletic endeavors.
