THE WORLD'S OLDEST FOOTBALL

The oldest football in the world was discovered in Stirling Castle and dates back to the 16^th century, around the same time as Mary, Queen of Scots. It's resident at the Smith Art Gallery & Museum, and Jean took a trip to see it and meet some local school kids. 

The boys and girls at Cornton Primary School were comfier with the Official Match Ball for UEFA EURO 2020 rather than tackle the traditional bladder described as ‘weird’ and ‘rock solid’ by the youngsters.

They were however unanimous that the Scotland Men's National Team can get their Group D campaign back on track with a victory against England at Wembley on Friday.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “We recently launched our new strategic plan The Power of Football and through this min-series we can showcase the many ways in which football inspires people in everyday life: boys and girls, men and women of all ages.

“Qualifying for UEFA EURO 2020 gives us a real platform on which to strengthen the foundations of the national game. Football generates more than £1bn of social return on investment in this country and I’m pleased we can share the uplifting stories across the country during the tournament.”

“You can always tell when there is a big game because the children are so excited. Football brings everyone together and is a great leveller.

The children were so excited when they heard that the Scottish FA had asked us to appear in their new series – they love talking about football so it was the perfect thing for them! We are all keeping our fingers crossed for the team and will be supporting them on Friday.”

The Scottish FA recently launched a new strategic plan, The Power of Football, and through this mini-series we can showcase the many ways in which football inspires people in everyday life: boys and girls, men and women of all ages. 

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive said: “Qualifying for UEFA EURO 2020 gives us a real platform on which to strengthen the foundations of the national game. Football generates more than £1bn of social return on investment in this country and I’m pleased we can share the uplifting stories across the country during the tournament.”

“As we welcome visitors to Hampden Park - seven years since it was selected as one of the original 12 host cities - we urge everyone to savour the occasion and share special memories with friends and family that will last a lifetime.

The power of Scottish football will not only endure throughout UEFA EURO 2020, it will go much further beyond.”

Other videos in the series include:

• Finding out football fans hopes for the tournament at the most picturesque football ground in the world, Fort William.
• Getting the thoughts on the world’s oldest football from some of Scotland’s youngest fans in Stirling.
• Hearing from a true Scotland legend, and someone who has played in front of sell-out crowds – Stuart McCall, as he tells us how vital it is to have fans back in stadiums in Glasgow.
• Listening to fans of both Dundee and Dundee United, on how they put their rivalries to one side in support of the Tartan Army.

You can read more about the oldest football in the world on the Smith Art Gallery & Museum website, here.