A Scottish international footballer has backed an innovative scheme to help transform the lives of young people through sport.

Motherwell FC defender Stephen O’Donnell said he was ‘blown away’ by the impact that the charity Street League was having, as he attended one of their ‘Transforming Lives’ sessions.

Street League helps support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain access to education and employment. Daily activities on the programme include mock interviews and other employability training, with each day ending with a sports or fitness session.

The Scottish international attended one of Street League’s ‘Transforming Lives’ sessions – funded by the ScottishPower Foundation – to see first-hand the work the charity does.

Stephen O’Donnell commented: “It was amazing to meet the young people who are going through the programme and hear their personal stories about the difference it has made for them.

“I was truly blown away. This is a brilliant group of young people – they’ve got bright futures ahead of them.”

The footballer added that the scheme was testament to the power that sport can play in improving the lives of young people.

Dougie Stevenson, CEO of Street League, said: “It’s fantastic that Stephen took the time to visit Street League to learn more about the young people we help.

“He’s a real role model and an example to the young people on the programme of how hard work and commitment can help you progress towards your goals.”

The ScottishPower Foundation was established in 2013 to support charitable causes such as Street League’s ‘Transforming Lives’ project. Street League was one of 16 charities across the UK to benefit from almost £1.2 million funding distributed by the ScottishPower Foundation last year.

To find out more about Street League, please visit www.streetleague.co.uk.