United and city rivals Dundee have teamed up with Careers Scotland and Dundee City Council to officially launch the Support Employment scheme. The scheme encourages people facing significant challenges by having been long term unemployed to attend courses to help them get “job ready”.

Programmes are being run simultaneously at each club, using football to motivate participants and educate them in the skills to become ready for employment.

These skills include timekeeping, confidence and communication. The programmes also include career planning and employment support input from Careers Scotland, personal development and CV preparation, support from dedicated personal advisers from Jobcentre Plus and careers talks by employers. There is also practical advice on healthy living and the chance to gain first aid qualifications.

Dundee United Chairman Eddie Thompson said, “This programme shows how sport can bring people together and, in particular, Dundee United will seek to help break down barriers and show the participants the opportunities available to them.”