Sports Shorts

Hastings and Callam join together to coach youngsters

Former Lions captain, Gaving Hastings, and current Scotland squad member Dave Callam, have joined forces to launch an ambitious youth coaching initiative at Murrayfield.

The setup aims to foster rugby at grassroots level and is supported by HSBC, who will be principal sponsors of the Lions tour to South Africa next year.

Pupils from Tynecastle High were the first to be put through their paces at Murrayfield as injured number eight, Callam, oversaw the his first training session.

Hastings, who was also present to launch the festival said: "To spend time with the children today and hear how much enjoyment they get from playing the game is fantastic.

"The festivals aim to encourage children who don't necessarily have many opportunities to play rugby to get involved."

SFA launches pilot scheme to combat abuse

The problem of abusive language and behaviour at children's football matches has reached fever pitch in Scotland. Accordingly, the SFA's South East Region Committee has launched a scheme that aims to eradiate the problem beginning in the new year.

Issues such as shouting, swearing and threatening behaviour will be tackeled head-on, according to SFA regional manager Mark Munro, who said: "We could ask clubs to supply someone to patrol the touchlines and possibly speak to any parents who get involved in this type of behaviour."

The example set by a number of bad-tempered players and crowd-members during televised matches is believed to be a leading cause of unnacceptable behaviour at small-scale youth events.

Relief at Hearts as players are finally paid

Hearts FC were able to avoid another wage crisis last week by paying players on time. However, no first team regulars have been paid their overdue bonus money as yet.

Although salaries of the six players whose payment was deferred have now been brought up to date, the club is still clearly plagued by financial concerns.

Midfielder Michael Stewart has announced that talks are underway between playing staff and owner, Vladimir Romano, over the win bonusses players are owed, after having won their last five games in a row.

However, Stewart maintains that relations between the players and the board are still perfeclty healthy and that he and his fellow stars are sure that the situation will be resolved shortly.