Hearts - Clydesdale Bank supports Heart of Midlothian FC’s Jam@Hearts programme

Heart of Midlothian star Marian Kello dropped in on the latest Jam@Hearts practice session as the initiative welcomed our support.  Together with Heart of Midlothian Community Development Manager Alan White, the goalkeeper accepted a cheque for £5,000 from the SPL sponsor before taking part in the band practice session.
Jam@Hearts is a music project which has been set up for the first time this year.  The programme seeks to bring together football and music, whilst providing new opportunities for youngsters in and around the Edinburgh area.  The project teamed up with the City of Edinburgh Council’s Education and Youth Justice Departments to help identify anti-social youths or those from deprived areas who wish to progress a musical interest.

Each session lasts around an hour and provides music tuition for up to 8-10 kids at a time. The programme has specific emphasis on guitar tuition and music discussion, with the kids being encouraged to put forward the music considered for the project to help breed creativity along with the development of new skills.  Jam@Hearts is also constantly on the lookout for adult volunteers who can further supplement and support the programme as they seek to use the project as a diversionary tool for youths who are inspired by both music and football.

Stressing the importance of Clydesdale Bank’s sponsorship to the success of the project, Heart of Midlothian Community Development Manager, Alan White said:
“We are extremely grateful for Clydesdale Bank’s support of our Jam@Hearts initiative. The project is growing into a valuable community programme helping develop important social and personal skills in young people, whilst providing them with the opportunity to learn new skills.  The strength of Jam@Hearts lies in the partnerships that have been formed with local authorities and the level of expertise they can bring to the table when working with young people who require our support.”

Irene Swankie, Clydesdale Bank Community Affairs Manager commented on the support for this community initiative:
“This is Clydesdale Bank’s fourth year as SPL sponsor and over that time we have witnessed the range of excellent work that each club does to make a positive impact in its local community.  As a business we too aim to develop strong relationships that support local communities, so we are delighted to be able to help Heart of Midlothian FC by providing some additional funding to their Jam@Hearts programme.”