Tag: football

Big Hearts: Centre Circle Whole Family Hub at Tynecastle backed by the Scottish Government

Big Hearts is leading a national partnership with four other well-established football charities in Scotland to tackle child poverty, through a £850,000 Whole Family partnership funding.

This partnership will establish five Centre Circle Whole Family Hubs across Edinburgh, Falkirk, Aberdeen, Inverclyde and East Ayrshire to support families experiencing financial hardship.

Centre Circle is an innovative model designed to help families access inclusive and preventative support at their local football ground: a place they already know and trust.

The partnership aims to support 500 families in its first year, through relationship-based, whole-family support that helps struggling households improve financial stability, wellbeing and resilience.

Big Hearts Community Trust, the charity of Heart of Midlothian FC, will lead on the Centre Circle partnership with four strategic delivery partners: Falkirk Football Community Foundation, Aberdeen FC Community Trust, Morton in the Community and The Killie Community.

Football sits at the heart of communities across Scotland, creating a welcoming and relaxed environment where people can connect and access support without judgement. Centre Circle will open a new chapter by combining local knowledge with a shared delivery framework and common outcomes across five regions.

Centre Circle is funded by the Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund. As part of its latest Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, the Scottish Government announced that our leading partner Big Hearts was one of 10 organisations selected through the £20 million Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund.

Craig Wilson, CEO of Big Hearts said: “Centre Circle is a new approach to deliver whole family support across local communities in Scotland through the driving force of the beautiful game.

“The £850,000 funding announced by the Scottish Government, with only 10 organisations supported for 2026/27, is a testament to the incredible work that has been delivered so far by Big Hearts and our key partners: Falkirk Football Community Foundation, Aberdeen FC Community Trust, Morton in the Community and The Killie Community.

“Football charities play a vital role in engaging with isolated and hard to reach families. Together, we believe Centre Circle can create transformative change with more resilient, connected and supported families.”

Scots invited to feel a little Norwegian this Saturday 

Watch England-Norway World Cup quarter-final clash on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh

Football fans can witness one of the most talked-about matches of the FIFA World Cup yet in spectacular fashion at Vue Edinburgh Omni as England face Norway in a blockbuster quarter-final clash this Saturday.

Following popular screenings of Scottish group matches at Vue venues across Scotland, fans will now have the opportunity to follow more of the action on the big screen, whether they are cheering on another home nation, or feeling Norwegian for the weekend!

Those wishing to enjoy some quarter-final drama with fellow fans can do so with the ultimate seat, screen and sound by coming along to Vue where every moment will play out on the big screen.

Kicking off at 22:00 BST, England will be aiming to take the next step towards World Cup glory, but standing in their way is a Norway side boasting world-class talent across the pitch.

Norway’s squad is packed with Premier League experience, with a host of players who know England’s stars inside out and will be hoping to use that knowledge to halt the Three Lions’ march to the semi-finals, while players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Declan Rice will look to do the same.

Harry Kane and Erling Haaland will step onto the biggest stage in world football as they continue their competition for the crown as the world’s best striker. With both the strikers aiming for the coveted golden boot, fans can expect a duel between two generational goalscorers in what promises to be one of the stand-out matches of the tournament.

Rachel Bland, Senior Screen Content Manager at Vue Entertainment, said: “Even though Scotland is out of the championship, we wanted to make sure fans here could continue to follow the action on the big screen after earlier successful screenings.

“No matter who you’re supporting, there’s no better place to experience the drama than at Vue. Our next-level screen and sound technology brings every tackle, every goal and every unforgettable moment to life, making you feel like you’re right there in the stadium.”

Vue’s Big Screen Sports line-up

Saturday: England vs Norway (Quarter-Final) – 22:00 BST

Tickets are available to book now at www.myvue.com.

Scotland beats Brazil (in one-off Edinburgh match)!

Ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, a squad of recognisable names took to the pitch in Edinburgh for a one-off match against the Scotmid Brazil squad.

To celebrate Scotland’s return to the World Cup, Scotmid staff, customers, suppliers, family and friends came together to make up a Scotland and a Brazil team.

Those playing for Scotland bore more than just a passion for the game – many of them shared a surname with the squad preparing to take on Brazil on 24 June.

Taking to the pitch were Gunn, McGinn, Ferguson, Ralston, Christie, Stewart, Robertson, Tierney and McKenna, who came together from across the country, united by their passion for football – and a desire to win.

Friends and family cheered from the stands as the match got underway and were treated to a energetic and exciting 90 minutes, which ended in an 11-9 victory for Scotland. Each player received a medal and a goodie bag packed with a range of Scottish favourites, with the winning team lifting the prestigious Champions Trophy.

The event celebrated Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving customers a day to remember through a celebration of community pride and national excitement.

Lauren Rafferty, Commercial Development Coordinator at Scotmid, said: “Scotland reaching the World Cup is a huge moment. We wanted to mark it in a way that would bring people together and give our customers their own moment on the pitch.

“It’s a bit of fun but it also reflects what Scotmid is all about: community, local pride and creating moments that people can enjoy together.”

While the result on the pitch may still be up for debate among those involved, the success of the event was clear, exciting the players for Scotland’s campaign – and a hope that their result is a foreshadow of Scotland’s World Cup success!

Specsavers equip Scotland fans with World Cup eye drops and sick note ahead of Brazil match

SCOTLAND fans are being helped through another late night of football as Specsavers, the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, equip supporters with free eye drops and a pre-written sick note.

Steve Clarke’s Scotland side continue their World Cup campaign with an 11pm kick-off against Brazil on Wednesday night.

Following on from 2am and 11pm starts against Haiti and Morocco, it’ll be another late night for bleary eyed Scotland fans hoping the team can make it through the group stage for the first time.

However, this time, much to Susanna Reid and Ed Balls’ delight, there is no bank holiday scheduled for the day after to help Scotland fans support their team to the fullest.

Thankfully, Specsavers have stepped up to the plate to help, specially producing eye drops that fans can pick up for free from any of their 86 Scottish stores – helping to keep their eyes in tip-top condition for an evening of staring at the TV and, hopefully, partying.

And if Scotland were to do enough to make it through and the celebrations go on a little longer than expected, Specsavers have also produced a sick note for people looking to avoid work on Thursday morning.

Fans can access the sick note on Specsavers’ social media channels so they can inform their boss of their ‘very important eye test’ which means they won’t be back in work until after lunch.

Specsavers Scottish Divisional Chair, Laura Baird, says: ‘Nobody in Scotland will want to miss the Brazil match as we look to make history with our first successful major tournament group stage.

‘With the finals taking place across the pond, managing the time difference has been a challenge for fans watching at home, but luckily Specsavers are here to help.

‘We hope Scotland fans are watching on with joy and fresh eyes, with the option of a Thursday morning lie in up their sleeves as well!’

Specsavers renewed its sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA in 2024, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner and extending one of the longest-running partnerships in sport.

Watch Scotland play the World Cup at Vue Edinburgh

Fans can experience the drama, intensity and international flair of world-class football in full cinematic glory at Vue Edinburgh Omni and Ocean as Scotland battle it out through the group stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

Following their opening Group C victory over Haiti, fans can watch Scotland continue their campaign as they take on Morocco at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts, USA at 11pm BST. 

Next, they’ll be facing Brazil at Miami Stadium in Florida at 11pm BST, as Scotland round off their Group C fixtures against one of world football’s biggest names. 

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “Vue is the perfect place to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026. For those of us staying in the UK to watch, what better way to watch these giants in football than on the big screen?  

“Our next level screen and sound technology are the closest thing possible to the thrill of the stadium, with stunning visuals and immersive surround sound that will make you feel like you’re right there in the action.” 

Vue’s Big Screen Sports line-up 

  • Fri 19 June – Scotland vs Morocco – 23:00 BST 
  • Wed 24 June – Scotland vs Brazil – 23:00 BST 

Tickets are available to book now at www.myvue.com. 

IT’S COMING HAME!

Specsavers brings World Cup fever to Scotland’s most remote village with dedicated Inverie fan zone

THE World Cup is coming to Scotland’s most remote village as, thanks to Specsavers, the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Inverie got its very own fan zone.

The village, which is based in the Knoydart Peninsula in the West Highlands, is only accessible by boat or via an 18-hour hike over the mountains.

In 1978, ahead of the World Cup in Argentina, 15 villagers made headlines by digging a four-mile trench and laying a cable just to get a television signal and watch Scotland’s matches.

Almost 50 years on, and with Scotland back on the world stage for the first time in nearly three decades, that same spirit lives on in Inverie. This time, Specsavers stepped in, transforming the village hall into a big-screen fan zone so the community can come together once again.

A 100-inch screen was installed, alongside a full-scale production setup, with a metric ton of equipment ferried across to the peninsula – a far cry from the graft and ingenuity of 1978.

Now, with a population of around 100, the entire village rallied behind Steve Clarke’s side as they took on Haiti in their opening World Cup match, gathering in the early hours of this morning for a shared moment they won’t forget.

The event also featured live music and complementary food and drink as the village hosted one its biggest events of the year.

There was one very special Scotland fan in attendance: 66-year-old John Murdo Morrison, who was part of the group who dug four miles uphill to get the village aerial in position for a telly reception back in 1978.

Just 18 years old at the time, John is feeling the same excitement now as he did then ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.

John said: “What we did in 1978 was special and the whole village is excited to be watching Scotland at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

“We’re delighted to have Specsavers and their team here to set up the fan zone and we’re glad our digging days are behind us.

“It was an incredible and challenging experience but all worth it to watch Scotland at the World Cup in Argentina.

“Hopefully Steve Clarke and the team can do us proud in America.”

Specsavers’ Scottish Divisional Chair, Laura Baird, said: “It was inspiring to hear the story of John and the 15 villagers of Inverie from the 1978 World Cup.

“The lengths Scottish people are willing to go to watch our national team never ceases to amaze me and I just hope we’ve helped made things a little easier this time with our fan zone!”

Specsavers renewed its sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA in 2024, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner and extending one of the longest-running partnerships in sport.

The agreement runs through to 2028 and includes continued support for referee training and development, as well as raising awareness of grassroots and local football across the country.

Inspiring the next generation of football talent in Scotland

Investments to build on the excitement of the World Cup

Scotland men’s team return to the World Cup is an opportunity to ‘inspire a generation of sporting talent’, First Minister John Swinney has said.

Ahead of Scotland taking on Haiti in Boston, the team’s first World Cup finals game since 1998, the First Minister has announced the creation of a World Cup Fund.

Designed in partnership with the Scottish Football Association (SFA), £500,000 of Scottish Government funding will be invested in the development of youth programmes for boys and girls.  

The First Minister has also announced £275,000 for charity Street Soccer Scotland to expand its free football and wellbeing sessions. The funding will help support volunteering and coaching opportunities for young people and fund housing assistance, mental health provision, food support and employability services for adults.

Ahead of joining Scotland fans at the FIFA Fan Festival in Boston ahead of the game, Mr Swinney said: “As Scotland takes centre stage at the World Cup, I’ll be joining the Tartan Army to show Boston and the world, the whole of Scotland will be cheering the team on. The excitement around the World Cup demonstrates the strength of football – at home and in Boston, people are celebrating and showing off the very best of Scotland.

“This is a historic moment and our return to the World Cup is an opportunity to inspire a generation of sporting talent. To nurture this talent, I am announcing a £500,000 World Cup Fund to support young boys and girls follow their sporting dreams. I am also pleased to announce funding in support of the work delivered across the country by Street Soccer Scotland.

“These programmes, alongside our £20 million Summer of Sport celebrations, will help create more sporting opportunities for young people across Scotland.”

SFA Chief Executive, Ian Maxwell, said: “Scotland’s return to the World Cup stage has undoubtedly inspired the nation – from grassroots to the senior game and across society in general.

“We regularly reference the power of football to impact the game and the country and our hope is to use this summer as a springboard to progress in a number of areas.

“We welcome the Scottish Government’s investment, which will undoubtedly boost efforts to produce the next generation of internationals, who will hopefully pick up the baton and take us to more tournaments in the future.”

Street Soccer Scotland Chief Executive David Duke said: “We welcome this support from the Scottish Government. The Street Soccer Network Programme was created on the principle that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should have access to connection, opportunity and a sense of belonging, using the power of football. 

“This investment will enable us to continue that support and reach even more communities across Scotland.

“A significant focus of the network programme is on smaller towns and rural areas, where access to services can be limited and individuals often face additional barriers. This funding allows us to provide consistent, trusted support in places where it is needed most, ensuring that people are not left behind because of where they live.”

Information about the 2026 Summer of Sport is available on Sport Scotland’s website.

Match day should not mean fear: Crimestoppers urges public in Scotland to help call time on domestic abuse during World Cup

Crimestoppers is launching a campaign ahead of the World Cup, urging the public to help tackle domestic abuse by recognising the signs and sharing information anonymously.

While major football tournaments bring excitement and celebration for many, evidence shows they can also coincide with a rise in domestic abuse. The charity’s campaign highlights the hidden harms that can escalate behind closed doors during high-profile matches.

For some, match day is not about football, but fear. It’s well documented that incidents of domestic abuse increase when big sporting events take place.

The heightened emotions linked to wins and losses can contribute to abusive behaviour, leaving victims feeling unsafe in their own homes.

Crimestoppers is encouraging people to look out for signs that someone may be experiencing abuse. These can include a partner putting them down in front of others, controlling or jealous behaviour, visible injuries, withdrawal from friends and family or noticeable changes in mood such as anxiety or depression.

The charity is also reminding the public that sharing concerns anonymously can make a real difference, particularly for those who feel unable to speak out for themselves.

Annabelle Goodenough, Domestic Abuse lead for the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Football should bring people together, but for some, major tournaments can be a time of increased fear and harm.

“The rise in domestic abuse linked to match results is deeply concerning, and it highlights the need for greater awareness and action.

“We know that many victims find it difficult to seek help. That is why information from friends, neighbours, or members of the public can be so important. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

“Crimestoppers is independent and guarantees anonymity. We do not ask for your name, and your details cannot be traced. By speaking up anonymously, you could help protect someone from harm, support efforts to prevent abuse and may even save a life.”

ScottishPower kicks off bonus half-price electricity hours for vital World Cup clashes

ScottishPower is giving its customers the chance of a vital World Cup assist by cutting the cost of their match‑day parties with half‑price electricity for its customers across the UK.

With football fans gathering late into the night in living rooms across the country as Scotland and England go for glory, ScottishPower will kick-off discounted match day bonus hours covering all planned group matches for both nations.

It means ScottishPower customers can focus on the football, not the bills, as they power TVs, sound systems, kitchen appliances and even their party lights for 50% less during the tournament.

The limited-time offer is designed to help customers make the most of the event while keeping energy costs down, with two hours at 50% off per game – so every Scotland and England group match is covered and feels like a win-win.

The bonus hours boost comes in addition to ScottishPower’s existing Power Saver scheme which already sees its customers benefit from being able to choose eight hours of electricity at half price every week, at a time that suits their lifestyle best.

As a business that also generates and distributes power to millions of homes across the country, ScottishPower is preparing for the biggest overnight electricity demand event in its history.

Opening fixtures are already forecast to create an unprecedented overnight surge in electricity demand — during what is normally one of the quietest periods for the network.

Andrew Ward, ScottishPower Customer Business CEO, said: “We know football brings people together and with this offer, customers can enjoy every kick, tackle and goal knowing they’re getting great value at the same time.

“We are continually striving to put our customers in control, and this is a great boost to give them more ways to score even more savings.”

Existing ScottishPower customers will soon be able to opt into the Power Saver World Cup bonus hours initiative, and new customers joining the leading green energy company will be eligible to opt in too.

Key matches included in the offer are (UK kick-off times):

Scotland group games:

  • Scotland v Haiti – Sunday 14 June, 2:00am (discounted period 0200-0400)
  • Scotland v Morocco – Friday 19 June, 11:00pm (discounted period 1100-0100)
  • Scotland v Brazil – Wednesday 24 June, 11:00pm (discounted period 1100-0100)

England group games:

  • England v Croatia – Wednesday 17 June, 9:00pm (discounted period 2100-2300)
  • England v Ghana – Tuesday 23 June, 9:00pm (discounted period 2100-2300)
  • England v Panama – Saturday 27 June, 10:00pm (discounted period 2200-0000)

The World Cup deal adds an extra assist to ScottishPower’s existing line-up of customer perks, including Power Saver, which offers customers 8 hours of cheaper electricity at selected times throughout the week.

Power Saver aims to incentivise customers to shift their electricity use away from peak periods to times when overall demand on the grid is lower, helping to balance energy supply more efficiently. By moving usage to off-peak hours, customers can benefit from cost savings while supporting a more stable and sustainable energy system.

ScottishPower is the only energy provider giving customers control over when they benefit from discounted periods.

To take advantage of the special Power Saver World Cup Bonus Offer, you need to be a ScottishPower electricity customer with a communicating smart meter and consent to half-hourly readings being automatically shared.

Customers should download the SP app and switch on notifications to receive alerts ahead of the World Cup kicking off to opt in for their two hours 50% discount covering Scotland and England matches.

Usage savings will appear as ‘Power Saver Credit’ on a customer’s bill or statement in line with normal billing process. Daily standing charge will be charged at normal rates. Eligibility criteria, exclusions, and T&Cs apply.

For more information and how to sign up, visit Half-Price Electricity during Scotland and England group games