Dingwall's Ross County FC are kicking off at Hampden Park today (Tuesday, 7 March) when they let others into the secret of their success.

The Easter Ross club are leading a workshop at the national stadium as part of an event organised by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) - the awarding body for educational and vocational qualifications in Scotland.

The aim of the annual conference is to highlight examples of best training practice taking place in Scotland.

In keeping with the football theme, Ross County have been asked to lead a workshop based on their highly successful Skillseekers programme - the national initiative that offers young people training, qualifications and paid employment.

The club will tell others of their innovative approach to training youngsters with dreams of making it to the football 'big time'.

Sadly, not all the trainees make it as professional players, but to provide the youngsters with a safety net, Ross County educate and train the boys and girls in sports related vocational courses giving them other career options as a fall back.

Chief executive of Ross County Alastair Kennedy said: "The wide ranging training allows the youngsters to pursue alternative careers in football whether in management, coaching or the various options available on the commercial side of football.

"We feel our approach is of great benefit to the trainees as traditional football apprenticeships can leave youngsters feeling disillusioned with the game, and with few skills to prepare them for life outside football."

The trainees work towards the SVQ level 2 and 3 qualification in sports and recreation, gaining experience in all aspects of football life from health and safety and administration, to groundsmanship and training techniques.

Following their success with Skillseekers at level 2, Ross County are now piloting the level 3 qualification on behalf of the Scottish Football Association.

Skillseekers is funded in the area by Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE), part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network.

Jack Marshall, head of skills development at RACE said: "Although Ross County are by no means the largest employer in the area, they do have more Skillseekers than anyone else. Their approach to training and development is excellent and this is why they have been selected by the SQA to lead this workshop."

The Hampden Park event will be chaired by Frank Pignatelli, the recently appointed chief executive of the Scottish University for Industry. Nicol Stephen the Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning will also deliver a keynote speech.