Kick Start is an initiative launched by the Scottish Government through the Scottish Premier League to help disadvantaged youngsters.

This project aims to motivate secondary school students who are considered to be disengaged with education. Through the delivery of classroom based programmes at Tynecastle Stadium and coaching sessions at the Hearts Football Academy at Heriot Watt University, Kicks Start aims to tap into football's huge popularity and provide opportunities for work placements, learning programmes and jobs, while Hearts players as role models can inspire young people to achieve their very best.

On launching the Kick Start initiative, former First Minister Jack McConnell said, "Football clubs have a credibility and connection with our young people that is hard to replicate. They can provide a learning environment where those who have fallen out of the system can not only feel comfortable, but also be inspired."

Seventy students have participated to date and evaluations of the programme have confirmed there have been significant improvements in students' attendance, performance and communication skills at school.

The Kick Start programme has further galvanised links between the club and local authorities in Midlothian, West Lothian and City of Edinburgh. Going forward the Trust aims to develop these relationships further and in doing so provide further opportunities for young people in the South East of Scotland .

For more information on Kick Start contact Alan White at alan@homplc.co.uk.