Jewson has revealed a partnership with Street League Scotland, a charity attempting to tackle youth unemployment using football.

Work placements are to be provided for up to 100 young people at Street League Academies across Scotland over the next 12 months, in a partnership launched in Glasgow on 12 June.

Street League targets unemployed people aged between 16 and 24. Academy attendees develop employability skills such as communication and teamwork, and acquire nationally recognised qualifications. They also learn to build their CVs and undergo mock interviews – as well as playing football every day.

Participants also join real employers for work experience placements for between four and eight weeks in order to prepare them for work.

Dougie Stevenson, managing director of Street League Scotland, said: “Working at Jewson stores gives our young people a fabulous opportunity to hone the skills they have acquired on the Street League Academy, build their CVs and become attractive employees to other employers. We’re delighted that some of graduates have also gone on to work for Jewson on a permanent basis.”

Allan Davidson, regional director of Jewson, said: “With nearly half a million 16 to 24 year olds in the UK currently without employment, initiatives such as Street League are fundamental in ensuring that young people gain the skills and workplace experience they need.

“To be able to offer a route to employment through something as accessible as sport is fantastic and we hope even more businesses get involved."