A second Scottish Football Association (SFA) school of football is set to be established in Renfrewshire after the scheme was given the green light by the local authority.

The new facility will be located at Renfrew High School under plans drawn up by the SFA and Renfrewshire Council, which follows a successful pilot school of football created at Castlehead High School, Paisley, in 2008. Members of the council's community and family care board have approved the scheme, which will now see around 16 pupils commence the year one programme when the new academic year gets underway.

It is hoped that the facility will help develop the social and academic skills of pupils during the first three years of secondary school, using football to provide a range of transferrable skills such as teamwork and leadership. Eileen McCartin, convener of the council's community and family care board, said: "The pilot school of football at Castlehead High School has been a great success with extremely positive responses from pupils, parents and teachers.

"This project not only gives pupils increased opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity but helps contribute to their academic and social development." SFA regional manager Paul McNeil added: "The schools of football are about more than just playing ability, they aim to mould better citizens, as well as better footballers, through social and educational development."

There are currently nine schools of football located across Scotland, which includes the one at Castlehead High School.