Easter Egg Appeal!
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Spartans Easter Egg Appeal
Tag: Spartans Community Foundation
Regeneration funding to enable communities to thrive
TOM ARTHUR VISITS ‘INSPIRING’ SPARTANS TO ANNOUNCE FUNDING PLANS
A scheme helping pupils to learn in a football environment is one of a range of regeneration projects set to share £62 million from the 2025-26 draft Scottish Budget.
The funding will help Spartans Community Foundation in Pilton, complete construction of a permanent classroom. This would replace temporary cabins where students who may struggle in school receive lessons in literacy, numeracy, entrepreneurship, art and physical education.
The project also assists young people to access jobs, apprenticeships and college placements as they leave school.
Other regeneration schemes earmarked for support in the draft Budget include:
- clearing three derelict sites in the Lochee area of Dundee to make way for affordable homes
- restoring Arbroath’s Courthouse as a centre offering careers advice and skills training
- redeveloping Glen Urquhart Public Hall into a community hub
Visiting Spartans to hear about the organisation’s work within the local community, Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “Regeneration is a key priority for the Scottish Government – as it contributes to growing the economy and creating jobs.
“This inspiring scheme run by Spartans illustrates how local people can identify the issues they want tackled and then come up with the solution, at which point the Scottish Government is able step in with support.
“The new classroom will help more young people leave school with qualifications, find jobs and further education opportunities, as well as enjoy free football sessions. It is an example of delivering economic growth and tackling poverty at the grassroots.”
Other recent local projects to regenerate northern Edinburgh include the transformation of derelict industrial units at Granton Waterfront into communal spaces and the ongoing development of a community hub with an early years centre, library and space for North Edinburgh Arts on Pennywell Road.
Coaching opportunities at Spartans
Unleash your passion for football and make a real difference in North Edinburgh! We are on the hunt for dynamic and inspiring sessional coaches to join our thriving Football Development Department where, you’ll do more than coach, you’ll contributing to changing lives and supporting the community of North Edinburgh.
Be part of a team delivering top-tier commercial football programmes and driving social impact in local schools. We’re looking for enthusiastic, high-energy and engaging coaches who can ignite the love of the game in grassroots players aged 3-15 years.
If you’re ready to inspire the next generation of footballers and create a lasting impact in your community, this is your chance!
Applications close on 3rd February at 5pm.
Find out more about the opportunity here: https://www.spartanscf.com/…/we-are-hiring-community…
Change the Game at Spartans
Aged 16 – 25yrs and not in education, employment or training and looking to kick start your career in sport and physical activity?
Join us for 8 weeks of free training. Open days 16th and 23rd Jan.
Contact eddiemalone@spartanscf.com
Off the Bench at Spartans
Off the Bench starts next January at Spartans!
Our new Off the Bench programme for young people aged 16-25 years and not in education or employment starts at the end of Jan 2025.
Come along to our open days at Ainslie Park on the 16th and 23rd of Jan from 1.30-3pm.
Participants will be able meet staff, get a game of five a-side football, tour the facility and ask questions about the programme.
Contact Eddie for more info eddiemalone@spartanscf.com or sign up here:
King’s Award for Spartans volunteers
Congratulations to our volunteers who been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service!
Thank you for your time, effort and energy that helps us continue to be #hereforgood
We’re thrilled to share that the amazing volunteers from Spartans Community Foundation have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024! This is the UK’s top honour for local volunteer groups – the equivalent of an MBE.
Spartans Community Foundation is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises, and volunteer groups to receive this award this year. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was set up in 2002 to mark the late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and continues now in King Charles’ reign, recognising volunteer groups doing incredible work to support their communities.
Next summer, Spartans Community Foundation representatives will accept the award from the Lord-Lieutenant of Edinburgh, and two of our volunteers will also be invited to a garden party at Holyroodhouse.
Debbi McCulloch, CEO of Spartans Community Foundation, shared: “We’re absolutely thrilled and honoured that our volunteers have received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
“This award is a tribute to their dedication, passion and hard work that makes a positive difference in our community every day.
“We couldn’t be prouder of this achievement and can’t wait to keep building a better future together.”
Sporting Memories at Spartans
TUESDAYS 1 – 2.30pm
Join sporting memories on Tuesdays from 1 – 2.30pm.
Enjoy chatting, reminiscing and lunch!
Email deanhunter@spartanscf.com to find out more.
Menopause Goals at Spartans
Menopause Goals – our support and awareness group for women starts next Thursday at 5.30pm. Experiences to share and tips to help you thrive.
Friday: Charity Match at Spartans
Join Us for a Charity Football Match in Support of Spartans Alternative School!
We are excited to invite you to a special charity football match in support of Spartans Alternative School and the Spartans Community Foundation—two incredible causes dedicated to empowering at-risk youth.
Date: Friday 27th September 2024
Time: 2:00 PM Kick-off
Location: Ainslie Park Stadium, 92 Pilton Dr, Edinburgh EH5 2HF
This event is extra special because it’s being organized by the Art Offenders, with the project managed by one of the talented students at Spartans Alternative School. The match promises to be an unforgettable showdown as The Young Team takes on The Auld Team, with a couple of special guests, including renowned chef Tom Kitchen, joining the fun on the pitch. It’s youth vs. experience in a game filled with competitive spirit and community camaraderie!
All proceeds from the event will go towards the construction of a brand-new youth work building on the grounds of the Spartans Community Foundation.
This new facility will be a vital space for education, mentoring, and community support, helping to transform the lives of young people in our community.
Ticket Prices:
- Main Pass: £6
- VIP: £10
- Under 16s: £3
- Under 10s: Free
VIP Experience:
Upgrade to a VIP ticket and enjoy exclusive access to the Robertson Trust Suite, where you can watch the game in comfort. The VIP room will feature a private DJ—one of our talented students—who will set the perfect atmosphere.
Guests will also enjoy food and refreshments and have the opportunity to mingle with our special guests, including Tom Kitchen.
What to expect:
- High-energy football action between The Young Team and The Auld Team
- Special guest appearances, including Tom Kitchen
- A raffle with fantastic prizes from season tickets to gym passes and more.
- Students Art pop up shop
- Bake sales and fun activities for the entire family
- Wet sponge bonanza for project manager Emma Easton and Youth work manager Kenny Cameron
By attending, you’ll be supporting Spartans Alternative School, the Spartans Community Foundation, and the incredible work being done by the Art Offenders. Your contribution will help build a brighter future for local youth.
Get your tickets now: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=7312
Let’s come together to score big for our community—your support can help make a lasting impact!
See you at the game !
Football activity club funding doubles to £4 million
Support to help families on low incomes with childcare
Football clubs and trusts across Scotland will receive additional funding to boost efforts to eradicate child poverty.
In the capital, four clubs – Spartans Community Foundation, Big Hearts, Hibernian Community Foundation and Edinburgh South Community FC – will all receive substantial government support.
The Scottish Government will double its investment in the Extra Time Programme, a joint initiative with the Scottish Football Association, from £2 million to £4 million for this financial year.
The funding will support more free before and after school clubs, and holiday clubs for children from families on low incomes.
By giving around a projected 3,000 children each week free access to sport and other activities which wrap around the school day, the funding will help more parents to enter or sustain employment or training.
First Minister John Swinney made the announcement during a visit to Pollok United’s after-school activity club where he heard about the contribution innovative childcare options are making to the eradication of child poverty.
Mr Swinney said: “We know funding from the Extra Time Programme is enabling football clubs and trusts to provide really valuable childcare options, particularly for families from low-income households who are most at risk of living in poverty.
“By removing barriers to affordable and accessible childcare, we will contribute to the eradication of child poverty. I will shortly set out further views on this crucial issue in Parliament.
“At the Nethercraigs Sports Facility, I saw children enjoying a healthy snack and fun activities including arts and crafts and sports. Parents have told Pollok United the service helps with food and childcare costs, relieving pressure on stretched family budgets.
“Like many others, I will be supporting Scotland at Euro 2024 when it gets underway in Germany this week. But the Extra Time Programme is a reminder that local football clubs are supporting communities here at home – providing valuable services beyond matchday. They understand the value of that support for local families, and they are well placed to provide crucial facilities and services.”
SFA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “We are delighted to announce this additional funding in conjunction with the Scottish Government to extend the Extra Time Programme.
“The benefits have been clear to see and it’s vital that we continue to offer support for families to allow children and young people to access as much physical activity as possible.
“As well as the thousands of children who will engage with the game, clubs are often the heartbeat of their local communities and it’s just as important that we offer more opportunities for parents and carers too. This programme is a great example of how impactful the power of football can be.”
A Spartans spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be part of this delivery in North Edinburgh, supporting families in our community and providing after school and holiday clubs for young people.”
Pollok United Community Engagement and Funding Lead Deborah McCabe said: “Pollok United is delighted to be involved in this innovative Scottish Government and SFA collaboration.
“It has enabled us to provide a service that not only supports families during this cost of living crisis by offering free childcare provision, it also demonstrates that grassroots football organisations are well placed to deliver successful wider socio-economic support within communities, resulting in meaningful outcomes for those involved.”
EXTRA TIME funding:
| Club | Region | Project Budget |
| Aberdeen FC Community Trust | North | £108,600.00 |
| Broxburn United Sports Club | South East | £149,700.00 |
| Celtic FC Foundation | West | £84,608.00 |
| Dundee United Community Trust | East | £89,130.00 |
| Dundee United Sports Club 1984 | East | £143,136.20 |
| Dundee West Community Trust | East | £104,010.00 |
| Edinburgh South Community FC | South East | £135,000.00 |
| Falkirk Community Football Foundation | Central | £149,884.34 |
| Glenrothes Strollers Community FC | East | £134,335.00 |
| Heart of Midlothian Football Club | South East | £158,250.60 |
| Hibernian Community Foundation Ltd | South East | £149,844.00 |
| Inverness CT Community Development | North | £250,772.00 |
| Montrose Community Trust | East | £100,185.00 |
| Morton in the Community | West | £82,946.25 |
| Motherwell FC Community Trust | Central | £120,066.50 |
| North Kelvin Sports Development Group | West | £131,214.00 |
| Partick Thistle Charitable Trust | West | £183,238.47 |
| Pollok United | West | £61,610.00 |
| Queen of the South Community Trust | South West | £112,000.00 |
| Queens Park FC Foundation | West | £79,218.40 |
| Rangers Charity Foundation | West | £126,289.00 |
| Spartans Community Foundation | South East | £178,544.00 |
| St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation | West | £151,300.00 |
| Wasp Community Club | Central | £110,811.00 |
| The Killie Community | South West | £53,923.45 |
| Ayr United | South West | £226,630.00 |
| Blantyre Soccer Academy | South West | £126,220.00 |
| Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise | South West | £31,000.00 |
| Inverkeithing Hillhead Swifts / Blairgowrie and Rattray | East | £80,000 |
| Ross County | North | £55,384.10 |