SCOTLAND captain Andy Robertson is kicking off a new project to help teenagers in Greenock's east end, the Tele can reveal.

The national team skipper and title-winning Liverpool hero, who set up his charity foundation AR26 last year, is launching a Football For All initiative in the area.

Later this year his charity will run free football coaching sessions every week for 11-16-year-olds.

They will also organise a week-long holiday camp in the summer and a tournament at the end of the year.

Inverclyde is one of five areas the Champions League winner has chosen to support, after previously donating cash to a local children's charity at Christmas.

His charity's head of partnerships Amanda Nisanci said: "Andy is so passionate about his foundation and the work we are going to do.

"We are really excited about coming to Inverclyde.

"Andy wants the project to go right into the heart of communities where the need is greatest.

"We felt that it was the right thing to do to set something up for teenagers in Greenock.

"The idea is that the football sessions are open to all.

"Andy knows that football is a great way to engage with young people.

"But is about more than just football, it is about engaging with them.

"We are looking at ways to support the young people.

"We want to work with them and eventually be able to support them with coaching qualifications."

The AR26 Foundation will link in with Morton's community trust.

The first sessions, which will start when public health restrictions are lifted, will involve a 10 week block which will be followed by another in the autumn.

There will also be a summer camp with lunches provided.

Then there will be a tournament at the end of the year with the other areas taking part in Andy's programme.

Amanda added: "This is open to all and there is no pre-registration.

"We want young people to come along.

"We are just desperate to get started when the restrictions allow."

In December last year AR26 donated £1,000 to Children in Poverty as part of their launch campaign.

The football sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 7 to 8.30pm at a venue in the east end still to be finalised.