INVERCLYDE school pupils have rubbed shoulders with Scottish footballing royalty at a poetry competition celebrating the area's rich history in the beautiful game.

The Scottish Schools Football Association teamed up with Greenock-born John McMaster, who won the European Cup Winners' Cup with Aberdeen in 1983, to launch their inclusive campaign at the Beacon.

Youngsters from Moorfoot in Gourock, St John's in Port Glasgow and St Mary's in Greenock were also joined by author Julie McNeill, official poet, or 'makar', for the Scotland women's national football team, and David Coutts from the Hampden Collection.

Scottish Schools Poetry CompetitionScottish Schools Poetry Competition (Image: George Munro) The winning poem or artwork will be included in the matchday programme for a Scotland youth international match taking place at Cappielow next year.

SSFA president Gillian Duffy, a former PE teacher from Greenock, said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for the pupils and we were delighted to have so many along.

"This is chance for all pupils to be included, whether they like football or not. It is about life in Inverclyde.

"I am dyslexic, so I struggled at school, and we want everyone to be represented.

"So it doesn't have to be words, it an be in any form the young people want. It is just important that they are taking part.

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"We are delighted to have John McMaster here supporting us as well."

At event Julie, a co-author of Mission Dyslexia, spoke about the different ways all pupils can expressive themselves, in words or in pictures and how art is open to all.

Hampden Collection curator David Coutts told the pupils about Inverclyde's long football heritage and the players who have graced the field.

John, who ended his playing career at Cappielow in 1987-88 after 15 years with Aberdeen, said: "I am always delighted to support young kids here in Inverclyde. I think it is great what Gillian and the Scottish Schools Football are doing."

The poetry competition for Inverclyde is run by the Scottish School Football Association in partnership with CVS Inverclyde and The Hampden Collection, and is supported by Clyde Eats - Clyde Futures. 

This project combines celebrating Inverclyde's s rich footballing history along with poets visits to schools and allows pupils to express their creativity.

The Scotland v England under-18 match will be played at Cappielow in February.