Tag: Sport

New Zealand Team gifts silver fern to Glasgow as living legacy of 2026 Commonwealth Games

A silver fern gifted by the New Zealand Team is to take root at Glasgow Botanic Gardens as a lasting symbol of friendship between Glasgow and Aotearoa New Zealand during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The fern was formally presented to the Lord Provost of Glasgow at Kibble Palace in the Botanic Gardens on day eight of competition of the Games, which is bringing athletes, teams, visitors and supporters from across the Commonwealth to Glasgow.

The gift was made by Te Kapa o Aotearoa, the New Zealand Team, whose New Zealand House has been based nearby at Òran Mór throughout the Games.

The fern and accompanying plaque recognises the warm welcome extended by Glasgow and create a legacy for residents and visitors to enjoy when visiting the iconic Victorian glasshouse.

The plaque reads:

‘During the Games, New Zealand House stood across the road at Òran Mór, where Glasgow welcomed us with warmth and generosity.

‘This fern stands as a living symbol of friendship, unity and shared pride between Aotearoa New Zealand and Scotland.

Ko Tātou Katoa – The Fern is All of Us.’

The fern is an Alsophila dealbata, also known as Cyathea dealbata or ponga, by the Maoris. The silver fern is deeply associated with New Zealand sporting teams and is recognised as a symbol of New Zealand national identity.

It has been planted in the centre of the Kibble Palace glasshouse, home to an internationally significant collection and the Plant Heritage UK National Collection of tree ferns, alongside existing silver ferns that have already grown to more than ten feet high.

Lord Provost of Glasgow, Cllr Jacqueline McLaren, said; “This is a thoughtful and generous gift from the New Zealand Team and a beautiful reminder of the friendships being formed in Glasgow through the Commonwealth Games.

“The silver fern will be a living legacy of these Games and of the warm relationship between Scotland and Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Nicki Nicol, CEO, New Zealand Olympic Committee, said; “This Silver Fern is a small gesture of thanks for the warmth and generosity Glasgow has shown the New Zealand Team throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“We wanted to leave something lasting that reflects the friendship we’ve shared and the connections formed during our time here.

“As a symbol that is deeply important to New Zealanders, we hope this fern stands as a reminder of the bond between our nations and the New Zealand Team for many years to come.”

New Zealand have put in a solid performance during the Games with a tally of more than 20 medals so far before competition comes in an end today – Sunday 2 August.

Swinney: FM: Glasgow Games have shown Scotland at its best

Lasting impact and legacy of inclusivity and innovation

First Minister John Swinney has praised the success of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and said its legacy will be long-lasting and far reaching.

The First Minister paid tribute to people in Glasgow and across Scotland for embracing the Games, welcoming visiting nations and celebrating inclusivity.

He said the 2026 Games had ‘set a new standard’ for the future through innovative approaches and thanked everyone involved in delivering an outstanding event.

Speaking ahead of attending the Closing Ceremony at the Ovo Hydro, the First Minister commented: “The success of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has shown Scotland at its very best. We have welcomed athletes and supporters from the 74 nations and come together in an outstanding celebration of sport and diversity.

“We have enjoyed watching athletes competing at the highest level, breaking records and inspiring many of us to take part in sporting activities ourselves. The 2026 Games will leave a positive legacy of vital infrastructure upgrades to sporting facilities which will benefit individuals, communities and clubs in Glasgow, particularly at the grassroots level.

“People who have travelled to Scotland for the Games have experienced our world-class hospitality, which has been an excellent boost for our tourism sector and wider economy.

“It was only possible with Glasgow stepping in at short notice that we’ve been able to protect this special event. The reimagined model of these Games will help them continue into the future, creating hosting opportunities for other Commonwealth countries – with a focus on inclusivity and innovative approaches to reduce the environmental impact.

“Scotland continues to demonstrate its strength as a host of major international sporting events, with the Tour de France Grand Depart in Edinburgh in 2027, and UEFA EURO 2028, which we will co-host.”

Those bloomin’ hurdles are too high!

“It’s not fair! Those hurdles are way too high!”, says former Olympic and Commonwealth athlete Catherine Chiwakwa Chunda, as the athletics events kick off in Glasgow.

Catherine represented her home nation of Malawi in the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and the Commonwealth Games and now calls Scotland home. The former long-distance runner says action is needed to fix the unfair debts faced by one in three Commonwealth nations.  

She’s now working with SCIAF, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, and they set up a hurdles race to highlight the issue. 

She said: “Commonwealth countries like my homeland of Malawi face the constant hurdle of debt and it’s getting worse every year. They need to pay debts back at a much higher rate, meaning there’s little left to spend on things like health and education. 

“For those representing rich countries like Scotland and England, the hurdles were tiny. No problem to overcome.   

“The hurdles represent unjust debt. And it’s not hard to imagine what happened: higher hurdles for many of SCIAF’s partner countries made it impossible to run a fair race.   

“Removing obstacles for countries like Malawi and Zambia so they can use the money they have to get more children into school, access to healthcare and ensure families get support to have food on the table, is vital.”  

Children Invited to Try Surfing for Free This Summer

Scottish Surfing and Lost Shore are investing in the future of the sport

With Scotland preparing to welcome the Commonwealth Games this summer, Scottish Surfing and Lost Shore are encouraging children to discover a sport that could inspire the country’s next generation of athletes. 

Children across Scotland are being invited to catch their very first wave this summer, with Scottish Surfing offering free beginner surf lessons at Lost Shore Surf Resort as part of SportScotland’s ‘Summer of Sport’ campaign.

Research increasingly highlights surfing’s positive impact on physical fitness, confidence, resilience and mental wellbeing, making it an ideal activity for young people during the school holidays. 

The free sessions are taking place on Sunday 26th July and Sunday 2nd August from 10.30am, at Europe’s largest inland surf destination Lost Shore Surf Resort, located just outside Edinburgh.

Open to primary and secondary school children aged seven and over, the sessions give young people the opportunity to experience surfing in a safe, fun and supportive environment completely free of charge.

Delivered through Scottish Surfing’s Catch the Wave programme, the initiative is designed to widen participation in surfing, introduce young people to the sport at an early age and help build Scotland’s future surfing community .

Participants will receive expert coaching from qualified instructors, all surfing equipment and wetsuits, followed by lunch to refuel after their time in the wave pool.

SportScotland’s Summer of Sport is a nationwide initiative designed to encourage children and young people to get active, try new sports and enjoy positive experiences during the school holidays.

Mark Boyd, from Scottish Surfing, said: “Catch the Wave is all about giving young people the opportunity to experience surfing for the first time, regardless of their background or previous experience. We know that trying something new can be life-changing, helping build confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of being active.

“Working alongside Lost Shore gives us an incredible venue where children can learn in a safe and controlled environment with expert coaching and guaranteed waves. We’re proud to be part of Summer of Sport and hope this inspires even more young people to discover everything surfing has to offer.”

Lee Wood, Managing Director of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “One of the reasons Lost Shore was created was to give more people the opportunity to experience surfing, regardless of where they live or whether they’ve ever stepped into the sea. These sessions are exactly what that vision is about.” 

“The sessions build on Lost Shore’s growing programme of community initiatives, schools engagement and youth development activities designed to make surfing more accessible across Scotland.”

Lost Shore’s consistent, controlled waves provide an ideal environment for first-time surfers, allowing children to build confidence without the unpredictability of the open sea. Every participant will be supported by experienced coaches throughout the session, with all equipment provided.

Places are limited and must be booked in advance. For more information about the Catch the Wave programme and to register for a free place, visit scottishsurfing.scot/catch-the-wave. 

To explore other surf opportunities including lessons and kids camps at Lost Shore Surf Resort visit www.lostshore.com and Scottish Surfing members can take advantage of a 20% discount.   

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.

Strengthening Football Banning Orders

Improving match experience for all

Courts will be given tougher powers to impose Football Banning Orders (FBOs) in Scotland to include specific offences in an effort to improve the matchday experience and safety at games.

It comes as the analysis of a consultation on FBO legislation has published.

There were 903 responses to the consultation, with organisations such as the SFA, SPFL and Police Scotland supporting an extension of the use of FBOs. Whilst a majority of fans who responded expressed concerns about expanding FBOs, fans also raised concern around the increase in the use of pyrotechnics and some reported witnessing serious incidences of inappropriate behaviour.

In response, Ministers will introduce legislation in the Scottish Parliament which will include targeted and specific measures to strengthen FBOs to cover behaviour such as the use of pyrotechnics, pitch invasions and throwing missiles.

Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald said: “The vast majority of football fans attend matches to support their team and are a credit to their clubs.

“However, a small minority are compromising the fan experience and the safety of players, officials and all in attendance through anti-social and criminal behaviour.

“Recent high profile incidents involving pitch invasions and the continued use of pyrotechnics demonstrate the challenges the police, football authorities and clubs face and have to deal with. This is why we will give courts more effective powers through Football Banning Orders to target dangerous and abusive behaviour.

“Football is our national sport, and we want to make sure it is a safe and enjoyable environment for all and that is what we aim to achieve by introducing legislation.”

Football Banning Orders were introduced in Scotland as part of the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006.

Currently in Scotland, an FBO is available to the courts when three factors are present:

  • A person is convicted of an offence which involved the person engaging in ‘violence or disorder’;
  • The offence was related to a football match; and
  • The court considers that making an FBO would help prevent ‘violence or disorder’ at or in connection with football matches

Football Banning Orders Analysis of Consultation Responses – gov.scot

Hat Trick! Thousands of free footie kits up for grabs as Octopus Energy’s Kits for Kids enters third year

  • Last chance! Just two weeks left for grassroots teams in Scotland to win free, personalised football kits
  • Octopus Energy is giving away over 23,000 football shirts after already kitting out 50,000 young players across the UK
  • Local teams like Central Girls Football Academy U12s from Falkirk already dazzling opponents with flashy Octokits

As the World Cup moves into the knockout stages, Octopus Energy is bringing back its epic Octopus Kits for Kids giveaway for a hat-trick season – and the race is on for the final spots.*

Grassroots teams have just ten days left to apply for FREE personalised Octokits. 

This year, Octopus is giving away over 23,000 shirts to 2,000 youth and grassroots teams in a random prize draw. So far, 1,000 lucky teams have already secured their free strips for the upcoming season – leaving 1,000 kits still up for grabs before applications close.

This leaves kits up for grabs for 100 more teams right here in Scotland. 

The giveaway has exploded in popularity since it launched. Octopus initially planned to kit out just 500 teams, but due to overwhelming demand, the company rapidly expanded the programme, handing out 50,000 eye-catching Octokits to date. 

Winning teams – known as Tentacle Teams – can choose from three different designs: the famous bright pink and purple Octokit, a plain kit in their own club colours, or a classic striped design. Every kit comes personalised with team numbers and the Octopus sponsorship badge.**

Local demand for Octokits is already soaring. So far, over 1,250 applications have flooded in from Scotland. 

Tentacle Teams like Central Girls Football Academy U12s from Falkirk have already dazzled their opponents with their very own Octokits in previous giveaway seasons. 

And the perks don’t stop at the pitch. Some Tentacle Teams have won unforgettable prizes, such as exclusive tours of the iconic Emirates Stadium, home to Premier League champions Arsenal.

Ian, Coach, Central Football Academy Girls U12s, said: “The strips are perfect, the design is fun and colours are perfect for our club, the players feel special wearing them.” 

Erin, Player, Central Football Academy Girls U12s, said: “The new strips are cool and the octopus is cute.”

Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Marketing Officer, Octopus Energy, said: “Grassroots football is where future World Cup dreams begin, so we’re buzzing to make it a hat-trick of helping teams look electrifying on the pitch.

“Whether it’s a rainy Sunday morning or a nerve-racking cup final, we want every player who puts on an Octokit to feel ready for their own big moment. Here’s to more great matches, muddy boots and future stars!”

The initiative is powered by Octoplus, Octopus Energy’s legendary rewards scheme, which is now used by over 2.8 million customers. 

Parents and coaches have until 16th July to get their entries in via the Octoplus tab in the Octopus Energy app or online dashboard.

Sponsorship opportunities with Craigroyston FC

💙💛 Craigroyston CYFC U15s – Sponsorship Opportunity 💙💛

As we prepare for the upcoming season, we’re looking for local businesses and individuals who would like to support our team through sponsorship.

Your support will help provide training equipment, matchday kit, and give our players the best possible experience throughout the season.

In return, we’ll proudly promote your business on our social media and proudly have your logo on our strips

If you’d like to support a fantastic group of young players and become part of our journey this season, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send us a message or get in touch to discuss our sponsorship opportunities.

Chris : 07341441894

Facebook : Craigroyston 2012s

Thank you for your continued support of Craigroyston CYFC U15s! ⚽💙💛

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!

England Women’s Blind Football Captain credits Royal Blind School for helping her score an MBE 

Samantha Gough, an inspirational visually impaired athlete from Edinburgh, has been awarded an MBE in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for services to sport and to the visually impaired community.

Sam’s journey to becoming one of Britain’s most accomplished visually impaired athletes, excelling across multiple disciplines including blind football, goalball and rowing, has not been an easy one and it was only a few years ago she believed her sporting ambitions were over.

Born with cerebral visual impairment (CVI), Sam’s condition means that while her eyes are healthy, her brain cannot fully process visual information. Her sight deteriorated significantly in 2014, requiring her to relearn essential life skills, including mobility and independent navigation. She describes attending Sight Scotland’s Royal Blind School in Edinburgh as a real turning point in her life.

Sam, who will be 23 next week, explains: “This is a huge honour. I want to use it to highlight blind football and visually impaired sport, and to show others what can be achieved if you follow your dreams.

“I have struggled with my mental health and sport truly saved me, so I am determined to show others what can be achieved. I would never have believed this was possible, and to be recognised in this way is incredible. There is still so much more we can do to make sport accessible and inclusive, and I hope this helps raise awareness and open doors for more visually impaired athletes.

“It wasn’t very long ago that I didn’t think I could take part in sport at all. I went from being registered partially sighted to severely sight impaired and was basically excluded from all sport. Instead of asking how they could support me, I was seen as a problem. If you had told me then what I’d be doing now, I would never have believed you. It shows what can be achieved if you are given the right support.

“The Royal Blind School was a real turning point for me. I was given tailored support and the opportunity to learn vital independent living skills, which really helped rebuild my confidence.

“It also helped me accept myself and my disability, which was such an important part of my journey. Before I came to the school, I did not fully understand my visual impairment or how to explain it.

“Learning braille was another huge moment for me. I had lost the ability to read and write as my sight deteriorated, and braille helped me reconnect with that. It felt like I had found a part of myself again. The school also helped me develop everyday skills like cooking, going to the shops, and speaking up about the support I need.

2They also showed me how to use my white cane, which was a complete game changer. I then got my wonderful guide dog, Helga, last year, which again transformed my life and gave me even more confidence to get out and about.

“All the amazing things that have happened to me through sport and my advocacy work would not have been possible without the incredible teachers at the Royal Blind School. They believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself and gave me the skills and confidence to move forward. It quite literally changed my life.”

In 2022, Sam made history as the first-ever captain of the England Women’s Blind Football team, a landmark achievement that established her as a pioneer of the women’s game. She went on to lead the national side at the inaugural IBSA Women’s World Championships in 2023, guiding England in their first appearance on the global stage and helping to mark a defining moment for the sport.

Her success extends beyond football. In goalball, she became one of the UK’s top female goal scorers and represented Great Britain at the 2022 European Para Youth Games, where she secured a bronze medal. In rowing, she claimed gold at the 2023 British Rowing Indoor Championships and was selected for the Great Britain Para Rowing performance pathway.

Beyond her sporting success, Sam has also been recognised for her advocacy work. In 2023, she won a Midlothian Young People’s Award and was also commended in the UK Parliament for her achievements. She is also an ambassador for Sight Scotland, using her platform to promote inclusion and inspire others with disabilities to take part in sport.

Sam adds: “One of my life goals is to raise awareness of visual impairment and encourage people to embrace and accept it. I want to use my platform, whether through sport, social media, visiting schools to talk about my disability, or working with organisations like Sight Scotland, to show what is possible and help influence positive change.

“The support I received changed my life, and I would encourage anyone to reach out. There are people who understand and want to help, and it really can make such a difference.”

For more information visit sightscotland.org.uk.