Debbi McCulloch, Chief Executive Officer of the Spartans Community Foundation, gave evidence in the Parliament yesterday, where she spoke extensively to the Education, Children and Young People’s Committee about the Foundation’s work in Pilton and the wider community.
During the evidence session Ms McCulloch said that North Edinburgh has fantastic networks and collaboration, referring to R2 and that network’s ability to signpost and help individuals and directly help individuals who might otherwise be missed:
Ms McCulloch said that 94% of young people surveyed by the Spartans said that they felt like they had a trusted adult at the foundation.
"It gives people a chance and a place where they can feel safe and they can feel that they ultimately belong to something that can give them hope." – Debbi McCulloch, @Spartans_CF at our meeting on community sporting initiatives for young people: https://t.co/ep3Vl7OxoSpic.twitter.com/t4GZGQ8DAz
— Education, Children and Young People Committee (@SP_ECYP) March 19, 2026
She says the Foundation’s work has increased employment and volunteering opportunities and has provided families with a place where they can come and be listened to in a dignified way:
Ms McCulloch also gave examples of the impact of the Foundation’s work, referring to Naomi Hume, who is now the Assistant Operations Manager, who started off attending the Foundation’s Street Football offering:
The Big Match features two men’s teams (Residential United v Commercial City) made up of football enthusiasts (of varying levels of skill and fitness!) from Edinburgh’s property and legal spheres.
They will be joined by local celebrity chef Tom Kitchin, ex-Hearts and Premier league player Christophe Berra, and ex-Hibs player and former pupil of Broughton High, Darren Dods.
The Big Match aims to raise a game-changing amount of money for local charities and this year we’re delighted they’ve chosen Spartans Community Foundation as their beneficiaries, so we’re keen to spread the word!
This is the fourth year of The Big Match. It’s free to spectators and the atmosphere is always brilliant, with vocal crowds!
The game is always hard fought – the referee will have a tough job harnessing the levels of competitive spirit on the pitch tomorrow!
A Charity Football Match by The Art Offenders & The Spartans Alternative School
Join The Art Offenders—a creative group of art students from The Spartans Alternative School in North Edinburgh—as they host their second annual charity football match in support of North Edinburgh Dementia Care (NEDC).
This youth-led initiative builds on over five years of successful fundraising, where students have raised £7,000+ for local and national charities through art exhibitions, pop-up shops, and more.
Following the success of last year’s football match, which raised £1,000+ and brought the community together, the students are making it a yearly tradition—combining sport, creativity, and community spirit to make a difference.
Location:Vanloq Community Stadium, Spartans Community Football Foundation
Entry: £6 (Under 16s FREE)
Payment: Cash & Card Accepted
The Match
Student TeamThe “Auld Team” A face-off between students and a team of teachers and community members!
What’s On
Expect a fun-filled day for all ages, including:
Raffle prizes from The Village Gym, Chef Tom Kitchin, The Ice Cream Parlour, and more
Art sale & face painting
Bake sale & ice cream
Tombola
Wet Sponge the Headteacher!
FREE Dr Bike Service – Bring your bike for a check-up
Why It Matters
All proceeds will go directly to North Edinburgh Dementia Care, supporting individuals and families living with dementia in North East Edinburgh.
This event is more than just a football match—it’s a celebration of youth leadership, creativity, and community action.
Proudly supported by Remarkable Dynamics and led by students through the school’s social enterprise programme, under the guidance of art teacher Sarah-Jane Henderson.
Join our girls’ only football sessions every Friday
For more information or to book into our Little Miss Kickers, Senior Miss Kickers or our Girls’ Only holiday camps, please use the link – https://scf.classforkids.io