PUPILS from every primary school in Falkirk teamed up with Old Firm heroes Mark Hateley and Paul McStay to kick sectarianism out of football.
The former opponents were invited to open the Sense Over Sectarianism (SOS) football festival, organised by Falkirk College HND Sports Coaching students.
They went to Grange-mouth Sports Complex on Tuesday to urge the children to support their team but not sectarianism.
Former Celtic captain McStay said: "People have their own views about what team they support and that's okay. I'm sure Mark and I swapped a few kicks on the park but we walked away from that when we walked off the pitch. At the end of the day, it's just a game."
Rangers hero Hateley agreed that sectarianism was a major issue that needed to be tackled.
He said: "It's important to speak to kids about sectarianism and also racism. The younger we can get them the easier it is to educate them. That's the way forward but there isn't an instant fix the message has to keep getting hammered away."
The idea for the event came from sports coaching student Daniel Hughes who organised the event with his fellow second year HND students.
They were given £5000 funding by SOS Millennium Award Scheme after they made a case for holding the event in Falkirk.
Alison Logan of SOS said: "The students worked together as a group to research the link between the Old Firm and Falkirk and provided evidence that there is a definite connection. I think they got a lot from it and the younger children also benefit."
Dr Elaine Murray, deputy minister for sport, and Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie also lent their support.
Dr Murray told the youngsters: "Intolerance towards other people, whatever their faith or race, has no place in the Scotland of today. Events like the ones you are engaged in here, are a good example to us all. Sport should bring people together not drive them apart."
The pupils were entertained by a play about sectarianism, performed by drama students from Falkirk College.
They then had coaching from students on the college's HND Sports Coaching course, Falkirk Council and Stenhousemuir Football Club.