Kevin Cairns, development officer for American Football League, tells how he got hooked on the sport at a young age.

Three years ago when we first got established someone told me it was an impossible ask trying to get children involved in American football, a sport that is little known in the UK.

Three years on I can safely say they were wrong. We’ve gone from strength to strength so much so I’m now in a part-time post after being awarded funding from Sportscotland.

I go to schools, community and amateur sports clubs doing the leg work, engaging children, parents, teachers and community leaders and passing on my enthusiasm for the sport. It’s the best way to spread the message.

Alongside volunteers, I set-up 15-minute touch games to give them a flavour of what it’s all about. It’s fun and the excitement always wears off on everyone involved.

I then follow it up with monthly catch-ups to see how they’re doing.

There are 10 senior teams in Scotland and six juniors. People think it takes ages to learn the sport and need lots of equipment but that’s not the case.

Golf is far more expensive and requires more specialist equipment and clothing, yet it is one of the most popular sports in Scotland.

Most clubs have all the equipment you need – so you can try the game before committing, and they are always looking for players

Most clubs have all the equipment you need – so you can try the game before committing, and they are always looking for players.

But it is not all about playing. There are also lots of other opportunities to help out at these clubs in other roles – including coaching – and of course there’s referees too – a thankless task perhaps but they play a crucial role.

I was brought up in Gourock but my parents were from a town in Nevada. My dad was an officer in the US Air Force and was based at RAF Kinross and he taught me the sport from a young age.

I’d watch the airmen play in their league before I eventually got to join myself when I was 16.

I’m a supply teacher by profession otherwise I wouldn’t be able to make a living doing this as I’m only paid for two days.

Both roles are very similar. I suppose teaching is in my blood but I love learning too. Developing young people’s enthusiasm is a very rewarding role. Naturally we have enthusiasm for new things so it’s all about nurturing that. The biggest part is having that enthusiasm yourself.

Given the opportunity I’d love if it was a full-time role. It would be the easiest job in the world: getting paid for doing what I love.