Xtra Time is an exciting new initiative devised by the Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust in partnership with Midlothian and West Lothian Council's.

The programme accommodates students who are either fourth year summer leavers or fifth year Christmas leavers.

The overall aim of Xtra Time is to introduce and develop a range of life and work skills which will support the Curriculum for Excellence by helping to prepare the young people to take their place in a modern society.

Throughout the weeks the students meet former professional footballers to discuss life and work options, be involved in healthy life style activities and look at ways that they can support their local community through voluntary activities.

Football of course is a key component of Xtra Time and by using the facilities at the Hearts Football Academy each group receives coaching from Hearts staff.

Using some of the practical skills gained from this experience the participants help to organise and deliver a football festival for primary schools in their area.

Throughout the ten weeks Xtra Time involves some of the following activities:

Introduction to Hearts 
Tour of Tynecastle Stadium 
Kit allocation 
Job/further education searches 
Interactive football quiz in the Hearts Learning Centre 
Former player motivational discussion 
Practical diet & nutrition session with the Hearts Head Chef 
Fitness testing and development with Hearts Sports Scientist 
Match analysis 
Volunteering in sport clinic 
Football festival planning and organisation 
End of course football match.

The programme also includes two visits to Clydesdale Bank Premier League games at Tynecastle Stadium. At one of these matches the group assists with a half-time display, involving primary school pupils from their area.

For more information on Xtra Time contact Alan White alan@homplc.co.uk.