Lots of opportunities at our Pantry!
Working with @yourlocalpantry
Email Jools on juliepatterson@pchp.org.uk for more info, all training provided
Volunteer opportunities with PCHP’s Pantry
Nation-wide search for local community heroes launched
A search for 129 local community heroes has today been launched by the Scottish Parliament.
Every Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) is being asked to nominate one of their constituents who have made an extraordinary contribution to the lives of other people living in Scotland locally or nationally during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those selected by their MSP will be invited to contribute to the Parliament’s Opening Ceremony, an event which will take place in early October, to formally mark the new session of the Parliament.
Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Alison Johnstone MSP said: “As parliamentarians we have all heard directly of the difficult circumstances that many people in our communities have faced because of this pandemic. But alongside this, we have heard so many uplifting stories of people and communities coming together to protect those most vulnerable.
“As we begin this new session of Parliament, we are filled with renewed purpose, hope and determination to make things better for people in Scotland. Therefore, it is fitting that we can use this occasion to tell the story of those across Scotland who have provided that optimism for others.
“As we seek to recover and rebuild our country, I am proud that the Parliament can play it’s part in celebrating and honouring those that have made such a positive difference during challenging times.”
£64 million for local heat and energy efficiency projects
A programme to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency will receive an extra £9 million of funding this year to support a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and help fuel poor households save money on their heating bills.
The Scottish Government’s Area Based Scheme (ABS) programme will provide over £64 million in 2021/22 – up from £55 million the year before – to enable every local authority in Scotland to deliver energy efficiency measures to fuel poor households and communities.
The work forms part of a £1.6 billion investment over the next five years to transform the heat and energy efficiency of buildings. The Scottish Government’s draft Heat in Buildings strategy sets out a vision for more than one million homes to be using low and zero emissions heating systems by 2030.
ABS projects have helped deliver energy efficiency improvements to more than 100,000 homes since the programme launched in 2013. That has generated cumulative savings for household fuel bills worth over £900 million while reducing CO2 emissions by over 3.4 million tonnes.
Local ABS projects plan to install low and zero emissions heating systems in more than 500 homes this year, as well as insulation and other improvements such as solar panels and battery storage.
Net Zero and Energy Secretary Michael Matheson visited Hillpark in Glasgow to announce this year’s ABS funding plans.
Mr Matheson said: “We are wholly committed to ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change and, crucially, doing so in a way that is fair for everyone and leaves no-one behind.
“Reducing emissions from heating our homes is one of the most important things we can do to ensure we become a net-zero society by 2045. It will require us all to take action and everyone across Scotland will need to play their part in making sure our homes and buildings are fit for a net-zero future.
“We are committed to rapidly scaling-up action, but doing so in a way that ensures that our fuel poverty objectives and our commitment to tackling climate change work together, ensuring a fair and just transition to net zero.
“I am pleased to confirm increased funding for this year’s ABS programme, which continues to support on-the-ground delivery of projects making a tangible and positive difference – not just to greenhouse gas emissions, but to people’s lives.”
Councillor Kenny McLean, City Convener for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Public Realm at Glasgow City Council, said: “The ABS programme in Glasgow has made a huge impact in many households in Glasgow, lowering energy bills and reducing carbon emissions.
“The increase in funding will allow continued economic, environmental and social benefits to be delivered as a result.”
Area Based Schemes are delivered by local authorities targeting fuel poor areas and communities. ABS funding also targets the `hardest to treat’ properties requiring external wall or complex cavity wall insulation, making homes warmer and less expensive to heat.
By leveraging investment by private and social landlords, ECO finance and Scottish Government funding, ABS projects have been particularly successful in delivering improvements for multi-occupancy properties such as flats and tenements, as well as whole streets.
FILM FEST IN THE CITY PROGRAMME REVEALED
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IS BACK IN ST ANDREW SQUARE AND EVERYONE’S INVITED!
Presenting an ambitious and free programme of family favourites, timeless classics and blockbusters in partnership with Essential Edinburgh, and supported by Johnnie Walker and EventScotland, Edinburgh International Film Festival makes a long-awaited return to one of the city’s most iconic locations, St Andrew Square, with ‘Film Fest in the City’ between 19th and 25th August.
This special open-air series of screenings coincides with the main programme of in-person and digital film premieres as part of the 74th edition of the city’s International Film Festival, not only ensuring the Festival’s city-wide presence but making cinema accessible to both film buffs and Edinburgh residents of all ages!
The event is free but ticketed. Tickets are available to Filmhouse Members on Wednesday 28 July, and will be on general sale from Thursday 29 July, by visiting www.edfilmfest.org.uk.
Audiences will enjoy the outdoor screenings in a safe, outdoor environment adhering to the Scottish Government guidance in place at the time, and with an amazing range of food and drink produce available to purchase on site, including EIFF’s Official Whisky Partner Johnnie Walker and EIFF Official Beer Partner Innis & Gunn, alongside Poco Prosecco offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments.
Bring your favourite cinema snacks and picnic blankets or sit yourself down on one of the famous St Andrew Square deck chairs to enjoy the following:
Thursday, 19 August
12pm The Wizard of Oz (1939, U) – featuring Judy Garland as Dorothy, multi award-winning The Wizard of Oz is one the most celebrated musical fantasy films of all time and remains a firm family favourite.
2.45pm Clueless (1995, 12) – a teenage classic with Alicia Silverstone as Cher, a rich high school student learning to cope with adolescence and her newly discovered feelings for Josh (Paul Rudd).
5.30pm Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986, 12A) – one of John Hughes’ greatest films, this is a teen comedy classic about a high-school slacker portrayed by Matthew Broderick who skips school for a day in Chicago.
8.15pm Stars Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977, U) – first instalment of the original Star Wars trilogy, it follows Luke and Han Solo on a mission to rescue Princess Leia.
Friday, 20 August
12pm The Goonies (1985, 12A) – a classic adventure comedy following a group of young misfits on their adventure looking for a treasure…
3pm Lessons of the Hour (2019, 12A) – A single screen film version, in partnership with Edinburgh Art Festival, of Isaac Julien’s Lessons of the Hour, a poetic meditation on the life and times of the visionary African American orator, philosopher, intellectual, and self-liberated freedom-fighter, Frederick Douglass.
6.00pm Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie – A unique and inclusive outdoor celebration event preceding the Special Preview of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at Festival Theatre. Expect drag queen entertainment and cocktails. Those dressed to impress will be in with a chance of prizes for the best outfits.
8.30pm The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975, 12A) – cult musical horror comedy, a parody tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the 30s through to the 60s.
Saturday, 21 August
11am Grease (Sing Along) (1978, PG) – John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John sing and dance in this ultimate ode to young love that never dies.
2pm Mamma Mia! (2008, PG) – one of the most successful musicals of recent times, an award-winning homage to the music of ABBA, featuring a starry cast, including Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan.
5pm Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016, 12A) – EIFF Young Programmers selection; an adventure comedy from Taika Waititi which follows a boy and his foster father (Sam Neill) as they become subjects of a manhunt after they get lost in the New Zealand wilderness.
7.15pm Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980, PG) – widely considered one of the best sequels ever made, this instalment takes us to darker, more sinister parts of the Empire…
Sunday, 22 August
11am Frozen (Sing Along) (2013, PG) – Disney’s biggest hit of recent times, an already-cult, award-winning animation based on Andersen’s The Snow Queen it follows the adventures of sisters Elsa and Anna.
1.45pm E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982, U) – a classic film by Steven Spielberg, it tells a touching story of an unlikely friendship between a boy and a gentle alien stranded on Earth.
4.45pm Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983, U) – a triumphant, action-filled finale to the trilogy which sees Luke attempting to bring his father back to light side of the Force.
8.00pm Amélie (2001, 15) – EIFF Young Programmers selection; starring Audrey Tautou, this charming French romantic comedy tells the story of a shy, naïve young woman who decides to help those around her and along the way, discovers love.
Monday, 23 August
12pm A League of Their Own (1992, PG) – Tom Hanks, Madonna and Gena Davies star in this sports comedy telling a fictionalised account of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
3pm Restless Natives (1985, PG) – a Scottish classic which follows two Edinburgh teens from Wester Hailes who rebel against their dull lives and become modern highwaymen.
5.30pm Bend It Like Beckham (2002, 12) – a romantic sports comedy starring Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, it follows an 18-year-old girl who, against the wishes of her parents, joins the local football team.
8.30pm Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001, 15) – a cult romantic comedy written by Richard Curtis and starring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, based on the best-selling novel by Helen Fielding.
Tuesday, 24 August
12pm Singin’ in the Rain (1952, U) – one of the greatest musicals ever made, it charts the story of the film industry transitioning from silent to ‘talkies’, featuring and directed by the one and only Gene Kelly.
2.45pm Murder on the Orient Express (1974, PG) – adaptation of the famous Agatha Christie murder mystery novel, directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Albert Finney as the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.
5.45pm Moulin Rouge! (2001, 12A) – Oscar-winning jukebox romantic musical from Baz Luhrmann, starring Ewan McGregor as a poet who falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge, cabaret actress and courtesan, Satine (Nicole Kidman).
8.45pm Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982, 15) – an extremely quotable classic coming-of-age drama with Sean Penn and Jennifer Jason-Leigh and notable cameos from the likes of Nicolas Cage and Eric Stoltz marking their on-screen debuts.
Wednesday, 25 August
12pm Casablanca (1942, U) – arguably one of the best films ever made, a classic romantic drama starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman with the backdrop of WW2.
2.45pm Sleepless in Seattle (1993, PG) – the queen of romantic comedy, Nora Ephron’s impossible to resist classic featuring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks ranks among the best of the genre.
5.30pm Hairspray (2007, PG) – a new take on John Waters’ 1988 classic, this version sees John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken, among others, reimagine the irresistible story of a teenager who, against all odds, becomes a television star.
8.15pm Superman (1978, PG) – this special screening of the original Superman film featuring the unforgettable Christopher Reeve is a tribute to director Richard Donner who has recently passed away.
Nick Varley, Lead Guest Programmer of EIFF and Film Fest in the City said: “This year our Film Fest in the City screenings are simply put a celebration of the big screen.
“After a year of cinemas remaining closed and audiences being deprived of the shared experience only cinema brings, we are delighted to present a selection of films that, in our opinion, represent the true meaning of big screen entertainment. For those looking for a theme or meaning in the selection let’s just say it’s cinema for cinema’s sake – enjoy!”
Roddy Smith, CEO of Essential Edinburgh, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Film Fest in the City is returning bigger and better this year. It is always a great event, and to have a full week of screenings in St Andrew Square Garden this year is something to really look forward to.
“Our city centre has reopened with thousands of residents and visitors flocking back to enjoy everything it has to offer. What better way to enjoy summer than an outside screening of a classic film in a safe environment, in between some retail therapy or sampling the amazing hospitality offering within a five minute walk of the Square.”
Eileen Hanna, Head of Scotch and Lifestyle Whiskies at Diageo, said: “The magic of film has served us well through the past 18 months with so many of us re-watching old classics and discovering new favourites while being at home. However, nothing beats watching a movie on the big screen and we’re delighted to be supporting the Edinburgh International Film Festival for a third year.
“Johnnie Walker’s brand ethos is all about striding forward and the film industry is a perfect example of that. The list of classic screenings on show at this year’s EIFF features some of the most talented on screen and behind the screen talent that have gone on to become huge stars, showing how the spirit of progression is very much alive in the film industry.”
Film Fest in the City is the UK’s largest free outdoor cinema event, produced by Edinburgh based event specialists Unique Events for Edinburgh International Film Festival.
The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 to 25 August 2021. The full programme will be announced on 28 July 2021.
#EdFilmFest
Police update: Six arrests following disorder in Portobello
Chief Inspector Murray Tait, Local Area Commander for North East Edinburgh, said: “Our officers responded to a number of incidents involving youths in the Portobello area over the course of the weekend, including violence and antisocial behaviour.
“As a result of these reports, extensive enquiries have been undertaken and we can confirm that 6 arrests have been made to date. Further enquiries remain ongoing.
“It was unfortunate to see a small minority ruin the good weather for the rest of the community with their actions which have no place in Portobello. I want to make it absolutely clear that those who attend with the intention of causing violence and disorder are not welcome.
“Portobello Beach is a fantastic area, with great local businesses and is enjoyed by many families and young children who come to visit the area.
“I would like to reassure the public that there will be a significant police presence in the area, so we can robustly deal with anyone causing issues in the coming days. If you have any concerns about criminality, please speak to officers, call 101, or call 999 in an emergency.”
The Royal Mint celebrates the 250th Anniversary of Sir Walter Scott on official UK coin
- The Royal Mint commemorates Sir Walter Scott on a £2 coin, to mark the 250th Anniversary of his birth
- The launch celebrates a collaboration with Abbotsford, the famous home of Sir Walter Scott
- The 250th Anniversary of Sir Walter Scott coin completes the individual release of commemorative coins in the 2021 Annual Set, available at The Royal Mint
The Royal Mint, the Original Maker of UK coins, has today launched a commemorative £2 coin to honour the late Sir Walter Scott, 250 years after the great writer’s birth.
One of the most influential Scots in history, Sir Walter Scott is renowned for his contribution to literature with his novels and poems, many of which remain literary classics to this day.
Marking the 250th anniversary since his birth, Scott’s legacy has been celebrated for the first time on official UK coin. Available in gold, silver and brilliant uncirculated, the commemorative keepsake was first unveiled in the 2021 Annual Set and today launches as an individual collectors’ item at The Royal Mint.
To celebrate the launch, the Original Maker collaborated with Scott’s Abbotsford home and Trustee and direct descendant, Matthew Maxwell Scott – the great, great, great, great grandson of the famous writer.
Clare Maclennan The Royal Mint’s Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin said: “Sir Walter Scott’s status as one of Great Britain’s greatest writers endures 250 years after his birth and the anniversary celebration is a wonderful occasion to commemorate his legacy on a £2 coin.
“The exquisite design, with the inscription Novelist, Historian and Poet, reminds us of the wide-reaching influence of his work. What a treat is has been to reveal this collectable piece of art in collaboration with his great, great, great, great grandson Matthew Maxwell Scott and the fantastic team at Abbotsford, the famous home of Walter Scott, as part of their Anniversary celebrations.”
Matthew Maxwell Scott, Trustee at Abbotsford, said: “I’m extremely proud to see my ancestor recognised on a very special coin from The Royal Mint – a fitting tribute during a year of 250th birthday celebrations.
“It is a beautiful coin. Sir Walter was a collector of beautiful things and I think he would have loved to have this coin in his collection among the many treasures at Abbotsford.”
Giles Ingram, CEO at Abbotsford, said: “This year we are commemorating the 250th Anniversary of Sir Walter Scott, which is a great occasion to look at Scott’s work and legacy.
“At Abbotsford, we were delighted to be approached by The Royal Mint to collaborate with them on this beautiful coin. Recognising Scott as Novelist, Historian and Poet, 250 years after his birth on, such a beautiful coin and packaging, truly marks Scott as one of the world’s most famous writer’s and one of Scotland’s most influential sons.”
Speaking of the design, Stephen Raw, who also designed the Sherlock Holmes coin in 2019 and the First World War Armistice coin in 2018, said:
“Sir Walter Scott was such a fascinating character, there were so many routes that you could explore. Being a textual artist, I’m fascinated by lettering and I chose a combination of distinctive Gothic lettering from the chapel at Abbotsford alongside some lettering used by Scott in the magnificent entrance to his home.
“As for the portrait, I used the wonderful sculpture of Scott that sits within his monument on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. I hope that collectors enjoy the design and that when people see the coin, they might be encouraged to visit Abbotsford and the Scott Monument – the second largest such memorial to a writer in the world they say.”
More information about the coin, in a range of precious metals, can be found at The Royal Mint.
| Coin title | 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott 2021 UK £2 Gold Proof Coin | 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott 2021 UK £2 Silver Proof Piedfort Coin | 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott 2021 UK £2 Silver Proof Coin | 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott 2021 UK £2 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin | |||||
| Denomination | £2 | £2 | £2 | £2 | |||||
| Issuing Authority | UK | UK | UK | UK | |||||
| Alloy | Inner: 916.7 Au Yellow Gold, Outer: 916.7 Au Red Gold | Inner – 925 Ag/ Outer – 925 Ag plated with fine gold | Inner – 925 Ag/ Outer – 925 Ag plated with fine gold | Inner – Cupro-nickel/ Outer – Nickel-brass | |||||
| Weight | 15.97g | 24.00g | 12.00g | 12.00g | |||||
| Diameter | 28.40mm | 28.40mm | 28.40mm | 28.40mm | |||||
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark | Jody Clark | Jody Clark | Jody Clark | |||||
| Reverse Designer | Stephen Raw | Stephen Raw | Stephen Raw | Stephen Raw | |||||
| Quality | Proof | Proof | Proof | Brilliant Uncirculated | |||||
| Edge Lettering | THE WILL TO DO, THE SOUL TO DARE | THE WILL TO DO, THE SOUL TO DARE | THE WILL TO DO, THE SOUL TO DARE | THE WILL TO DO, THE SOUL TO DARE | |||||
| LEP | 175 | 771 | 1,771 | Unlimited | |||||
| RRP | £1,095.00 | £117.50 | £72.50 | £10.00 |
New Alison Scott exhibition to open at Collective Gallery
Exhibition
ditto ditto ditto
24.07.21—19.09.21
Open Tue – Sun, 10am—4pm
Free Entry (donations welcome)
No pre-booking required.
A new exhibition by Alison Scott opens this weekend as part of Edinburgh Art Festival.
ditto ditto ditto is a cross-media installation in our Hillside space which marks a significant point in Alison’s expansive research project around weather.
Building on two years of archival, performative and collaborative research ditto, ditto, ditto includes new writing, sound, custom wallpaper, moving image and sculptural elements. The exhibition title comes from time spent in the Scottish Meteorological Society’s archives, where Alison examined personal weather diaries and found this phrase often used as short-hand for ‘same again/ likewise/ repeats’.
ditto, ditto, ditto invites viewers to navigate discrete and rich elements, each of which shifts scale: from personal and embodied, to global systems of observation; from analogue and local, to mass-media digital infrastructure.
The exhibition unveils implicit authorities in anecdotal diaristic notations of weather, offering a point of stark contrast between this historic sense of stability and the faltering rhythms of climate breakdown that forms a backdrop to the project.
Pre-booking is not necessary, but please note that you may have to queue to enter the exhibition due to ongoing social distancing measures.
Satellites Programme is Collective’s development programme for emergent artists and producers based in Scotland.
Six arrests made in day of action against county lines drug supply in Edinburgh
Detectives from Edinburgh have made a number of arrests in a day of action aimed at disrupting “country lines” drug supplies into the city.
Six men, aged 38, 30, 29, 24, 22 and 21, were arrested in Edinburgh and Wolverhampton today (Wednesday, 21 July) and charged in connection with various drug offences.
All are expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in due course.
Small quantities of crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis, along with a four figure sum of cash recovered during the operation.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “We are committed to identifying the supply chain which brings drugs into Edinburgh and disrupting the activity of people intent on bringing harm to our communities.
“The county lines model shows crime does not respect borders. “Activity such as this cross border operation shows the benefit of working closely with partner agencies in response to concerns raised by local communities.
“Intelligence is the lifeblood of investigations such as this. Communities should not have to tolerate the damage caused by drugs and I would urge anyone with information which can help us deal with those responsible to pass this on.”
“If anyone has any concerns regarding the abuse of controlled drugs, or anyone who may be involved in the supply of controlled drugs, they are urged to contact Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Iconic toy giant Hamleys set to open magical new store in St James Quarter
The summer holidays just got a whole lot better as St James Quarter announces the upcoming opening of iconic toy store, Hamleys, in the coming weeks.
Transforming into a magical land for kids, the new store will feature everything from its instantly recognisable collection of Hamley bears, to speed racing car toys, as well as flying drones and giant floating bubbles.
Known as ‘The Finest Toy Shop in the World’, Hamleys will join the 1.7 million sq ft shopping district occupying over 2,475 sq ft within the Galleria and will create 10 new job opportunities in the capital.
Hamleys, who have been a household name for over 260 years, is dedicated to ‘bringing toys to life’ for children and families by enthusiastically encouraging fun and play within their store and offering engaging experiences through their expert toy demonstrators.
Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter said: “It’s really exciting to be welcoming another iconic brand to the St James Quarter family. We want to ensure that every visit to The Quarter is a delightful and memorable experience for the entire family and we really think that between the new Hamleys, and the already opened LEGO store, parents and children have lots to enjoy.
“Hamleys is so much more than just a toy shop, the brand focuses on bringing their games and toys to life adding an exciting experiential element to any shopping trip. Guests can celebrate birthdays and special occasions in style, and we are of course already eagerly anticipating what the festive season will bring with Hamleys!”
Mr. Sumeet Yadav, Chief Executive Officer – Global Retail Business, Reliance Brands Limited added: “We are delighted to open soon at St James Quarter. Every year more than 10 million families visit us across the world for a unique Hamleys experience where we bring to life many Worlds of Play.
“Every visit to Hamleys is a reward in itself, the toy purchase is a bonus for the child. I am sure children will build lasting memories of fun and joy while adults will relive memories of their childhood at Hamleys in Edinburgh.”
This latest signing at St James Quarter, which recently opened the first phase of its retail, dining and leisure elements in June this year, underscores the Scottish capital’s global appeal and further bolsters the St James Quarter leisure offer.
A game-changing mixed-use development being delivered by Nuveen Real Estate, St James Quarter completes the distinctive offer of Edinburgh with over 80 new brands, an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, and will add a W Edinburgh hotel, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, 152 New Eidyn residential apartments, and an unrivalled guest experience providing customers with an enviable events programme in a range of new and attractive public spaces.
Complementing an unrivalled shopping offer, which includes a host of brands including & Other Stories, Mango, Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Russell & Bromley, Miele, Next, H&M, JD Sports, John Lewis, and many more, St James Quarter is a premier food and drink destination.
Providing a truly diverse offer – from fast food, fresh food, to family and restaurant dining including Bonnie & Wild’ new concept food hall to the development. The offer will be available over a number of locations throughout St James Quarter, each with its own unique look and feel.
Professional UK American Football League Sets Out to Grow the British Game
SPORTS league start-up UKFL is uniting fans, players and coaches to launch an elite American Football league in the UK – one of the few countries in Europe without a professional league.
Based out of headquarters in the North East of England, UKFL was created by a senior team made up of UK American Football coaches, players and fans.
UKFL’s first season is set to launch in May 2023, with 8 fully professional teams based in cities across the UK and the goal of delivering an authentic American gameday experience to UK fans, from exciting gameplay featuring home-grown and import players to traditional American food and drink and authentic gameday entertainment like cheerleading and tailgating.
After a soft launch in February, the UKFL has generated high levels of interest amongst UK American Football fans, with thousands signing up for social media and newsletter updates.
Now, UKFL’s senior team is in discussion with investors and corporate sponsors to secure funding for the project and is also calling on fans to offer their support via a crowdfunding campaign set to launch in September.
UKFL CEO Mick Tyler explains that fan experience is core to the league’s vision. “Right from the start we’ve committed to building the UKFL with fans at its heart. We’re committed to building something that gives our fan base real ownership and control.”
The popularity of American Football has grown rapidly in the UK in recent years, with over 4 million UK fans tuning in to the 2020 Super Bowl. In spite of this, the UK remains one of the only European countries without a professional league.
UKFL’s Director of Football Operations Jonathan Rooney believes that the lack of an elite professional option in the UK is severely limiting the sport’s potential in the UK:
“For UK players, the only opportunity to play and train at a professional level is in Europe. This forces our best players to look for opportunities abroad because there are none at home. Many do achieve success in Europe, but others choose to leave the game entirely.
“The lack of a professional league also limits the quality of the game at a lower level. We want to create something for young players to aspire to, and to work with schools, colleges and universities to develop a new generation of athletes, some of whom could even go on to play in the NFL.”
American Football in the UK: Key facts and figures
- NFL has over 13 million fans in the UK, and is watched by more than 20 million unique television viewers per season.
- Since 2007, the UK has hosted sold-out NFL International Series games at Wembley, Twickenham and more recently at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
- Most major European countries have established professional leagues. Games in Germany’s GFL and Austria’s AFL leagues regularly draw crowds of over 10,000 fans.
- The UK is one of the few European countries without a professional American Football league, leaving UK players with no option but to relocate if they wish to play professionally.
- There are currently two major non-professional American Football leagues in the UK: the British Universities American Football League, made up of university teams, and the BAFA National League, which does not permit players to receive a wage.
To find out more about the UKFL, head to teamukfl.com