As you are aware, Queen of the South see themselves very much part of the Community and one of the Community clubs in Scotland. Our Community Development coach, Dan Armstong has been working hard so we thought it would be a good idea to outline some of the things that he has been doing. In our community report.

In total this school year we have engaged with 27 schools across the region with children of a wide age group. We have been working with Primary school kids from P1 through to P7 and have been at three secondary schools. As part of the "Schools Programme", we are delivering messages about health and well being, playground behaviour and sportsmanship. The programme aims to engage, inspire and empower the children we work with.

The schools involved this year are; Ae, Loreburn, Nethermill, Johnstonebridge, Troqueer, Closeburn, Eaglesfield, St Michaels, St Ninians, Lochside, Caerlaverock, Lochrutton, Shawhead, Lincluden, Dalbeattie, Palnackie, Hightae, Tundergarth, St Mungo, Kirkgunzeon, Lockerbie, Colvend, Lawrieknowe and Heathhall primaries along with Dumfries Academy and Dumfries and Maxwelltown High Schools.

At the High schools we are delivering our WhyTry? program. The WhyTry Program is a resilience education curriculum that provides simple, hands-on solutions for dropout prevention, violence prevention, truancy reduction, and increased academic success.

As well as delivering educational programmes to the schools we run a Breakfast Club during school terms at Lochside. It's around 18 months old now, during which time averages out at over 8,000 slices of toast buttered to try and help youngsters ensure they have breakfast before they start classes.

Out with the schools, we run a number of clubs during the week at the Queen of the South Arena and the QOS Academy at KGV. They cover a wide age range, from pre and primary school kids through to the Over 55s.

The Monday Walking football club is still as popular as ever. It gives those over 55 the chance to still play the game at a more leisurely pace. All things being well, we hope we will be able to take a team to an upcoming tournament.

The Wednesday clubs continue to go from strength to strength, we currently have 20 under 5's in our pre school camp. With over 35 kids regularly attending our older group sessions.

As we try to encourage females to enjoy football, we continue to run the Girls Club on a Friday to allow them to play the sport in a friendly environment.

And the Saturday Club for home matches is a great opportunity for Kids. From half past 12, the Kids have a chance to take part in a fun coaching session with games for TWO hours on the Arena pitches. They then refuel on a provided packed lunch before heading over to watch the first team in action. At just £10 per child (£8 if they have a Junior Blue ticket), it's real value for money. 

During January we started our Football Fans In Training programme. We are three weeks into the 12 week run on a Thursday evening with participants going over the food plate and obviously playing the walking football at King George V to gain steps in the aim of getting more active and physically fit.

For the past six months we have been involved in a volunteer programme along with work experience. And have other partners that we regularly work with, such as Alzheimer Scotland, Cash for Kids, The Salvation Army, Fairtrade Football, Compass Group, Project Search, DG Tap, Key Services and the SPFL Trust.

During the school holidays we have our Soccer Camps and can now confirm the next one will be held during the second week of the Easter Holidays, from the 9th to the 13th of April.

At present we have over 400 Junior Blue season ticket holders, showing what a positive effect we are having on local children in the community.

With up and coming projects on the horizon we hope to continue the good work and continue to connect with the community.