A captivating new golf exhibition, ‘Teeing Off Through Time,‘ has been unveiled at Braid Hills Golf Course, coinciding with preparations for the milestone 125th Edinburgh Evening News Dispatch Trophy.
The exhibition celebrates Edinburgh’s rich golfing heritage just as the city’s most prestigious amateur team golf championship returns to Braid Hills.
The historic Dispatch Trophy, dating back to 1890, will commence on May 17th with the final scheduled for May 24th. This beloved tournament features a unique double foursome’s format with four-player teams and has been a cornerstone of Edinburgh’s golfing tradition for over 130 years, interrupted only by the two World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Teeing Off Through Time’ is the third exhibition in Edinburgh Leisure’s series celebrating Edinburgh 900 and is free to visitors in the foyer of Edinburgh Leisure’s Braid Hills golf course.
The exhibition chronicles Edinburgh’s pivotal role in golf’s origins, showcases Edinburgh Leisure’s six golf courses and their vibrant communities, explores the evolution of golf clubs, highlights the storied histories of the Dispatch Trophy and Gibson Cup, and provides information on joining Edinburgh Leisure’s golf club.
“With the Dispatch Trophy being played at the Braids, and the Scottish Open taking place at the Renaissance Club in July, we’re hoping there will be lots of golfers interested in paying the exhibition a visit,” said Kerry Teakle, PR Officer at Edinburgh Leisure, who has led the project.
“The timing couldn’t be better to celebrate our city’s tremendous golfing heritage.”
The exhibition will remain at Braid Hills until Thursday, May 29th, before moving to Silverknowes golf course. Golf enthusiasts will have another opportunity to view the exhibition from July 9-15 as part of the broader Edinburgh 900 Exhibition at St James Quarter, where it will be displayed in a unit on Leith Street, next to Mhor Bakery.
Edinburgh Leisure was selected to represent the “City of Leisure” theme at the St James Quarter exhibition. Their previous Edinburgh 900 exhibitions, ‘Great Lengths’ and ‘Your Health is for Life,’ which showcase the organisation’s 27-year commitment to promoting active lifestyles and the history of swimming pools in Edinburgh, will also be on display.
“Having the opportunity to again display our other Edinburgh 900 exhibitions alongside the newer golf exhibition at St James in July is the perfect opportunity to showcase all the great facilities we have,” Kerry added. “It also highlights Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programmes which supported 14,782 people in 2024-2025 who face significant barriers to physical activity, including those affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty – empowering participants to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life.”
Edinburgh Leisure received funding for the exhibition as part of the prestigious Edinburgh 900 celebrations, a landmark initiative commemorating the city’s rich history spanning almost a millennium.
The full Edinburgh 900 programme examines the city’s evolution through commerce, conflict, faith, and finance, while celebrating Edinburgh’s present and envisioning its future aspirations.
Handball players from around the world who could help to boost Scotland’s status in the sport are being invited to apply for a new scholarship programme that is thought to be the first of its kind in Europe, if not worldwide.
The Handball Scholarship is an expansion of Oriam’s existing Sports Scholarship programmes, which help athletes to study at the same time as competing in high-level sport.
Handball is one of Scotland’s fastest growing team sports, with Scotland seeing a 500% jump in participation in the sport over the last two to three years, according to Scottish Handball. On an international level, the 2024 final of the European Men’s Handball Championship in Germany last year attracted 1.2 billion views.
This very fast and exciting sport involves two teams of seven players competing to score goals by throwing the ball past the goalkeeper into the opposing team’s goal.
Ewan Hunter, Chief Executive of Scottish Handball, said: “Handball is popular because it’s fast, exciting to watch and really easy to pick up.
The basic rules are very quick and simple to understand. And inclusivity is built into the sport, so boys and girls play together through primary school. We’re seeing very strong growth in handball at a grassroots level in Scotland and for the last couple of years, we’ve been focusing on developing pathways from there through into the higher levels of the sport.
“This scholarship programme is the next natural step on that journey and builds on our long relationship with Oriam.”
Scottish Handball has been a partner of Oriam’s since the centre opened in 2016 to help Scotland’s top athletes train and prepare for competition at the highest levels. Oriam is one of only a few venues in Scotland with a full-sized 40 by 20 metre indoor court for handball, and Scottish Handball hosts most of its major events here.
This includes Scottish Cup and Super Cup Finals, where the top two handball teams from England and Scotland in the Men’s Senior League and the Women’s Senior League compete for the British Champion title and European qualification.
Ross Campbell, Executive Director of Oriam, said: “This is an exciting expansion of our Sport Scholarship programmes that also deepens our partnership with the Scottish Handball Association. This allows us to work together to support handball athletes, not only from Scotland, but from across the world.
“The key aim of our scholarships is to help athletes perform both academically and in their chosen sport through access to our world class facilities and Oriam’s performance staff. All of these factors make this programme an exciting opportunity for athletes to be a part of.”
Katrina Gibbon, Performance Sport Manager at Oriam, explained the different elements of the Handball Scholarship in more detail. She said: “Athletes joining this programme will have access to specific technical training in handball and they’ll also have strength and conditioning sessions with our sports science team.
They’ll have weekly access to our hydro pool for recovery, alongside sports psychology support and access to physiotherapy through our Oriam Clinic. Oriam’s Athlete Lifestyle and Advocacy Co-Ordinator can also support athletes with any potential clashes between academic and sporting commitments.”
The partners say they are not aware of other programmes in the world of handball that combine academic study and athlete support in this way.
While handball is not played professionally in Scotland, as it is in other parts of Europe, the aim of the new scholarship is to continue building the sport at an amateur level.
“Handball will continue to be an amateur sport in Scotland for the foreseeable future,” Ewan said. “But we want to embrace that – and our hopes for this scholarship are really clear.
“We hope it cements the pathway for the development of handball at all levels. That means primary school, secondary school, community club, full club and age group level. We recognise that 99.9% of people who play sport in Scotland will not end up earning a living from the sport they play. But with this scholarship, you can still continue your development and growth as a handball player – without having to put your career or academic aspirations to one side.”
Athletes offered a scholarship will be able to show a strong track record in handball at an amateur club level or international age group level.
“We are looking for players who will add quality and value to the handball community here in Scotland,” Ewan said.
One of Oriam’s existing Sports Scholars, Rory Semple, has already played handball for Great Britain at Boys and Men’s age-group level.
Rory, 20, from Renfrewshire, started playing handball at Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow and is at Heriot-Watt in the third year of a degree in economics. “I started playing handball at school when I was 13 and through the years progressed to playing for Great Britain,” Rory explained.
“Now I’m playing at Heriot-Watt University and still at my club at Kelvinside in Glasgow, but playing under 20 at the Great Britain level.
“The Sports Scholarship at Oriam has been really helpful. It’s pushed me to absolutely smash my limits at physical training in the gym here. It gives me a great social balance as well because there are like-minded scholars my age here and we’re all competing at the same sort of level. The coaching staff are absolutely excellent too, so the support is 10 out of 10.”
Handball originated as a sport in the 19th century and has its roots in Europe, particularly in Germany and the Nordic countries, including Denmark, Sweden and Norway. The sport is played professionally in these countries and has also been one of the longest standing sports at the Summer Olympics. 02:07
The rules of the game include a ‘rolling substitution’ rule, meaning there’s no limit on substitutions during a game.
This means there’s “a space and place for anybody of any size, shape or physical fitness,” Ewan said.
Oriam’s facilities include multiple sports halls, outdoor pitches, an indoor tennis centre and a state-of-the-art gym. It also has a performance wing with facilities including a strength and conditioning gym, hydrotherapy pool, medical and rehabilitation suite and sauna.
Sports clubs and governing bodies who use Oriam as a training and performance hub include Scotland’s national rugby team, Heart of Midlothian Football Club and Scottish Squash.
British University and College Sport, the national governing body for higher education sport in the UK, ranked Heriot-Watt University 25th out of 127 institutions for the number of sports scholars it supported in 2023-24.
Oriam is a wholly owned subsidiary of Heriot-Watt and is funded by The Scottish Government, sportscotland – Scotland’s national agency for sport – and City of Edinburgh Council.
The centre is based on Heriot-Watt’s Riccarton campus to the West of Edinburgh and is around four miles from Edinburgh Airport. Other facilities on campus include the Marriott Bonvoy hotel, opposite the Oriam complex.
New Weigh room at Musselburgh 13th April 2025
Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723
Musselburgh Racecourse has invested £240,000 to upgrade its jockey’s weighing room into one of the most modern in UK racing.
A weighing room is regarded as one of the most important areas on a racecourse and is best known as the place where jockeys prepare for competition and relax between races but also acts as the hub of operations for raceday officials, valets, racecourse teams and medical staff.
The sports governing body, the British Horseracing Authority, is supporting a £40 million-plus project to modernise all 60 UK racecourses and Musselburgh is the latest to comply with measures to enhance the raceday experience of elite jockeys.
The upgrade provides the jockeys who compete at Musselburgh each year with first-class changing and shower facilities, a larger warm-up room and physio facilities alongside an improved canteen area.
New Weigh room at Musselburgh 13th April 2025
Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723
Musselburgh Racecourse director, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We are grateful for the support of Chester Race Company who have made this significant investment to transform our weighing room into one of the most modern in the country.
“It was not without its challenges in agreeing a design within a limited footprint, but the feedback from jockeys and officials has been overwhelming positive and we are pleased with the result.”
Professional Jockeys Association Racing Director, Dale Gibson, added: “On behalf of our members under both codes, we applaud the team at Musselburgh who have facilitated an impressive upgrade, providing equal facilities and services for both sexes.
“The venue upgrade includes an improved rest area, gender-neutral valet room, modernised changing rooms and dedicated warm up area.
“The updated facilities were very well received by our jumps members recently so a big thank you to Musselburgh and the team is very much in order.”
Increased prize money, record attendances at its New Year’s Day and Edinburgh Cup meetings, and a boost in hospitality guests underlined a successful 2024 for Musselburgh Racecourse.
An annual report on the East Lothian track’s performance showed prize money at the East Lothian course totalled £2,429,600 – up by 6.3% on the previous year – and an 14.6% increase on prize money in 2022.
Musselburgh also attracted more hospitality guests – 3,938 last year compared to 3,587 in 2023 – and Annual Membership grew by 16% from 263 in 2023 to 306 in 2024.
The racecourse would have recorded an increase in total attendance for the year if it had not been forced to abandon its hugely popular Easter Saturday fixture due to weather and which usually attracts a 5,000 strong crowd.
With two less meetings run in 2024 (25) compared to 2023 (27), total attendance was a healthy 58,744, down from 60,294 in 2023, but average attendance at meetings run was up from 2,319 to 2,448.
Across its premium race days, Musselburgh enjoyed significant crowd increases with a 11.5% jump and an extra 653 racegoers on New Year’s Day (6,289 compared to 5,636 in 2023) and almost a 20% boost at the Edinburgh Cup fixture (5,966 compared to 5,048 in 2023).
Musselburgh’s annual Friday Night at the Races fixture in early August enjoyed it’s largest crowd to date of 4,375, while Ladies Day was an 8,000 capacity sell-out – an increase of almost 600 on the previous year – and the 20th year in succession that Ladies Day has sold out.
A new Oktoberfest themed race day in September was a huge hit with racegoers and compared to the 2023 meeting held on the same date there as a 1,600 bump in attendance.
Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “The figures show a strong performance with significant increases in attendance at our key meetings and it could have been even better if we had not lost our Easter Saturday meeting, which was very disappointing.
“Our ground staff worked exceptionally hard in 2024, often in adverse conditions, to keep the track and facilities in tip-top condition, and the commercial team achieved outstanding results by increasing like-for-like attendances, which bucked the national trend.
“With family budgets under pressure and lots of competing sporting and entertainment options, we are constantly upping our game to ensure that Musselburgh Racecourse remains a compelling offering for those looking for an exciting and enjoyable day, afternoon or evening out.”
The Spartans are delighted to welcome Mixu Paatelainen as their new Sporting Director, supporting our Men’s and Women’s senior teams and our Men’s Under 20 team.
70 times capped for his native Finland, Paatelainen takes up the new role at The Spartans where he will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise courtesy of a playing career spanning two decades, followed up by eighteen years in managerial roles on both a domestic and national arena.
Speaking of his decision to join The Spartans, Mixu Paatelainen said: “I’ve been very impressed how people go about things, how organised they are, how good the people who are in charge are, and their ambition.
“Everybody knows that Spartans is a community club who do a lot for the kids – boys and girls – which is fabulous. The facilities are fantastic and what struck me straight away is that people are very ambitious, they don’t want to be a League 2 club all the way, they want to go forward and do better, and it’s a wonderful club, wonderful people, so I want to be part of that.
“I will step on nobody’s toes, that’s for sure – I want to be a sounding board. I know some head coaches, when there’s a sporting director coming to a club for the first time, they might be alarmed and worry that people think they are not doing a good enough job. That is not the case here. Dougie has done a fantastic job, there’s no question, and this is just another piece in the jigsaw. It’s as simple as that.
“We want to try to make us stronger and hopefully improve us enough to take the next step.”
Chairman Craig Graham added, “Mixu’s appointment brings us so much expertise. He will support me, my fellow Directors and all our coaches as we continue to grow and develop our club. It’s a brilliant appointment for us.
“We are an ambitious club and the Mixu will help us drive forward all aspects of our strategic agenda. After a hugely successful playing and managerial career Mixu now has a senior role in the UEFA Technical team and with the SFA in coach education.
“He is so passionate about football and to helping others develop, it’s such an exciting move for us.”
Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, calls for the celebration of Scotland’s first ever transplant football team, encouraging progression post-procedure. Scotland has made history with the formation of its first-ever transplant football team, a groundbreaking initiative that brings together individuals who have undergone organ, stem-cell, or bone marrow transplants.
The mixed-gender team, with an average age of 40, welcomes players from diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment where transplant recipients can connect with others who have faced similar challenges. The club’s mission extends beyond fitness—it’s about reclaiming life after a transplant, proving that recovery is not just about survival but about thriving.
The health benefits of the club go far beyond physical activity. Jelina Berlow-Rahman, the only female player on the team, embodies the spirit of resilience. Diagnosed with kidney failure at 26, she endured four years on dialysis before receiving her transplant.
Remarkably, she built her own law firm while undergoing treatment, demonstrating the power of perseverance. Jelina shares the team’s message: “Anyone can play, for however long they want. Everyone is welcome. It’s fine to play continuously and guide one another.”
For many transplant recipients, the journey doesn’t end with surgery—it’s a lifelong process of adapting to new challenges. The team provides a support system, helping players overcome emotional and physical hurdles that often accompany major medical procedures. Many patients struggle with mental health difficulties post-transplant, feeling isolated or uncertain about their future.
Football offers them an outlet for expression, a way to regain confidence, and a chance to honour their donors. The Scottish Transplant Football Team has already made waves in the international transplant sports community.
Despite being only six months old, the team competed in the 2025 European Transplant Football Championships, facing off against seasoned teams from across the continent. Scotland was the only mixed-gender team in the tournament, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The squad, founded by Duncan MacAulay, an Inverness-based fire service worker who underwent a heart transplant, has rapidly grown into a 21-player team.
Their participation in the Euros was a testament to their determination, securing an 8-1 victory over Ireland before battling against top-tier opponents like Spain and Italy. Jelina Berlow-Rahman also made history as the first woman to play for Scotland’s transplant football team at an international level. Her presence on the pitch was a powerful statement about breaking barriers and proving that transplant recipients can achieve incredible feats.
The team’s journey is just beginning. With plans to expand recruitment, raise awareness about organ donation, and compete in the 2026 Transplant Football World Cup, Scotland’s transplant footballers are determined to inspire others and change perceptions about life after transplantation.
Their message is clear: transplant recipients are not defined by their medical history—they are athletes, professionals, and individuals with limitless potential.
Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP said:“The Scottish Transplant Football Team is more than just a sports club—it’s a lifeline for players seeking physical and mental well-being, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“Through football, they are proving that life after a transplant is not just about survival—it’s about thriving, competing, and celebrating second chances.”
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has today published the post-split fixture list for the William Hill Premiership following another dramatic weekend of football.
St Mirren secured their place in the top six with a 3-2 victory over Ross County on Saturday, to join Celtic, Rangers, Hibernian, Dundee United and Aberdeen in the top half of the table.
The schedule for the final five fixture rounds has now been confirmed, with the 30 games to be played across the weekend of April 26/27, the weekend of May 3/4, the weekend of May 10/11, the midweek of May 13/14 and the weekend of May 17/18.
The final top-six fixtures in this season’s William Hill Premiership will take place on Saturday May 17, kick-off 12.30pm, while the bottom six will conclude on Sunday May 18 at 3.00pm.
For the first time since 2017/18 unfortunately it has not been possible to ensure that all clubs will have 19 home games and 19 away games across the season. In the top six, St Mirren will play 20 home fixtures and in the bottom six Motherwell will have 18 home games. Motherwell were the last club to gain a home game when a 19/19 balance could not be achieved in 2017/18, with Heart of Midlothian having only 18 home fixtures on that occasion.
Celtic will have the opportunity to win the title away to Dundee United in the first post-split fixture on Saturday April 26, live on Sky Sports at 12.30pm, while their final meeting of the season with Rangers will be at Ibrox on Sunday May 4, live on Sky Sports at 12 noon.
Sky Sports will also show Rangers v Aberdeen on Sunday May 11, kick-off 12 noon, and Celtic v St Mirren on Saturday May 17, kick-off 12.30pm. Sky may also select a match in due course for live broadcast in fixture round 37.
David Gray’s Hibernian, who are on a 17-game unbeaten run and sit third in the table, begin their postsplit matches away to Aberdeen before hosting Dundee United the following week.
In the bottom half of the table, only a single point separates the clubs in ninth, 10th and 11th position and two of them, Kilmarnock and Ross County, go head to head at Rugby Park in fixture round 34. Dundee, who currently occupy the relegation play-off spot, begin their run-in against Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle.
Calum Beattie, SPFL Chief Operating Officer, said: “It was another hugely exciting weekend of football, with three clubs going into Saturday’s matches separated by only a single point in the battle for the final top-six place and St Mirren making the cut with a late winner.
“I’m pleased to be able to publish the fixtures and TV selections for the remaining five rounds of the William Hill Premiership. There is so much to play for between now and the end of the season, with the title, European qualification and relegation places all on the line. It all gets started with a huge match at Tannadice on Saturday April 26, live on Sky Sports.”
POST-SPLIT MATCHES CONFIRMED FOR LIVE BROADCAST ON SKY SPORTS
Saturday April 26: Dundee United v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12.30pm) Sunday May 4: Rangers v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12 noon) Sunday May 11: Rangers v Aberdeen (Sky Sports, 12 noon) Saturday May 17: Celtic v St Mirren (Sky Sports, 12.30pm)
William Hill Premiership fixture rounds 34-38 announced
TOP-SIX FIXTURES
Saturday April 26 Dundee United v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12.30pm) Aberdeen v Hibernian (3.00pm) St Mirren v Rangers (3.00pm)
Saturday May 3 Hibernian v Dundee United (3.00pm) St Mirren v Aberdeen (3.00pm)
Sunday May 4 Rangers v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12 noon)
Saturday May 10 Celtic v Hibernian (3.00pm) Dundee United v St Mirren (3.00pm)
Sunday May 11 Rangers v Aberdeen (Sky Sports, 12 noon)
Wednesday May 14 Aberdeen v Celtic (7.45pm) Rangers v Dundee United (7.45pm) St Mirren v Hibernian (7.45pm)
Saturday May 17 Celtic v St Mirren (Sky Sports, 12.30pm) Dundee United v Aberdeen (12.30pm) Hibernian v Rangers (12.30pm)
BOTTOM-SIX FIXTURES
Saturday April 26 Heart of Midlothian v Dundee (3.00pm) Kilmarnock v Ross County (3.00pm) Motherwell v St Johnstone (3.00pm)
Saturday May 3 Dundee v Motherwell (3.00pm) Ross County v Heart of Midlothian (3.00pm) St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (3.00pm)
Saturday May 10 Heart of Midlothian v Motherwell (3.00pm) Kilmarnock v Dundee (3.00pm) St Johnstone v Ross County (3.00pm)
Wednesday May 14 Dundee v Ross County (7.45pm) Heart of Midlothian v St Johnstone (7.45pm) Motherwell v Kilmarnock (7.45pm)
Sunday May 18 Kilmarnock v Heart of Midlothian (3.00pm) Ross County v Motherwell (3.00pm) St Johnstone v Dundee (3.00pm)
Please note: Sky Sports may select a Round 37 match (midweek of May 14) in due course
The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) at Ratho has unveiled a new bouldering room designed for children and novice climbers, following the recent addition of new bouldering walls in December.
Situated in the former Tiso retail unit, this new bouldering room offers a comprehensive and progressive facility, providing additional space for junior and adult coaching. It also serves as a warm, welcoming area for casual climbers, members, and coaching clients during the winter months.
The child-friendly environment is perfect for those transitioning from Scrambles soft play and Clip ‘n Climb. Additionally, it will function as an ‘isolation’ zone during regional, national, and international competitions and training camps.
These two new developments—the bouldering walls and the dedicated bouldering room—allow EICA to meet the growing demand for climbing facilities. They provide entry routes for complete beginners and enhance coaching pathways up to the highest levels of world-class competition.
Nic Crawshaw, Climbing Operations Manager at EICA: Ratho, commented: “It’s been a privilege to see this project come to fruition, offering even more opportunities for climbers to push their limits and refine their skills.
“The new developments enable us to expand our world-class indoor climbing facilities for people of all ages and stages, while staying up-to-date with the latest trends. Sport climbing includes three Olympic disciplines – Lead, Speed, and Boulder—and the improved facilities make EICA the only venue with international standard walls for all three disciplines, and one of only a few worldwide.”
Indoor bouldering has become the most widely practiced form of climbing. As the sport has grown in popularity and become an Olympic event, the accessibility and low barriers to participation have led to a surge in the number of bouldering walls globally.
Jamie Smith, Development Manager at Climb Scotland said: “It is fantastic to see this phase of EICA bouldering offer now open to the public.
“This is a great addition to the venue, providing a great first stepping stone in the pathway, introducing new people to our sport, in an inclusive space and environment.
“This space will naturally complement the new arena boulders by offering progression at a grassroots level, feeding into the more challenging terrain and grading found on the arena boulders.
“We are also excited to utilise the new boulders in our forthcoming Scottish Boulder Championships on the 26-27 April, which historically has attracted over 230 competitors from across the UK and internationally.
“The boulder room will likely function as a fantastic warm up area and/or isolation, whilst the main competition takes place on the new world class boulders in the arena.
“We look forward to working with the team at EICA in also attracting potential international competitions and events in the future, along hosting training for our development and national squads, supporting the performance pathway in Scotland for up-and-coming talented climbers.”
The boulders, crafted by leading climbing wall manufacturer Dreamwall in Sofia, Bulgaria, arrived at EICA in October, accompanied by their expert construction team. The holds, macros, and volumes are from the exciting brands in the Serious Climbing stable, which were prominently featured at the Olympics and the IFSC World Cup series.
The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena received £100,000 towards the bouldering redevelopment to enhance opportunities for climbers at all levels. This funding was made possible by sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund and National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK.
As the UK’s largest climbing gym and the only international competition venue, EICA has hosted European Championships and World Cup events for Lead and Speed in recent years. The upgraded bouldering facilities now enable it to host all three IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) and Olympic disciplines.
People across the UK will benefit from upgraded sports facilities in their local area thanks to £100 million invested by UK Government
Major package to upgrade hundreds of local grassroots sports facilities with new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights
Investment will target deprived areas and support greater access and participation levels among under-represented groups
At least 40% of funded projects have a multi-sport offer ensuring more can participate and get active as the Government delivers its ‘Plan for Change‘
People across the UK will benefit from upgraded sports facilities in their local area thanks to £100 million invested by government yesterday.
Working together with the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation in England, the Cymru Football Foundation in Wales, and the Football Associations in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the funding is expected to support hundreds of new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights to improve access to sport and physical activity for local communities.
It will be targeted at deprived areas and support greater access and participation levels among under-represented people including women and girls, ethnic minority groups and disabled players.
The major package delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change, with the funding designed to break down barriers to opportunity and tackle persistent health inequalities through prevention, that will support an NHS fit for the future.
These facilities also encourage communities to come together and give young people opportunities to build vital skills and connections while creating a sense of purpose and pride in where they live.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the funding during a visit to Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club, a grassroots football facility in Midlothian, Scotland which supports over 700 players.
The funding will be invested in sites during 2025/26, with £82.3 million allocated to projects in England (including a £2 million uplift of new investment committed in the current financial year), £8.6 million in Scotland, £6.1 million in Wales and £3 million in Northern Ireland.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Grassroots sport clubs are at the heart of communities across the UK. That’s why we’re investing £100 million to support new and upgraded pitches, changing rooms and clubhouses across the country, providing transformational funding to the areas that need it most.
“As we deliver our Plan for Change, we will remove barriers to an active lifestyle and increase opportunity for all, ensuring that wherever people may live, they can access high quality sports facilities and experience the joy that sport brings.
Government funding through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme is amplified by significant contributions by The FA and Premier League in England. Delivery partners also leverage investment from local stakeholders through initiatives such as the Scottish FA and Scottish Football Partnership Trust’s ‘Pitching in’ campaign which aims to raise £50 million for football facilities over the next five years. “
Of the funded projects, at least 40% will have a multi-sport offer so that more people can participate in sports other than football, meaning more people can get access to a wider variety of sports and activities that appeal to them including rugby, cricket and basketball.
Clubs and organisations across the UK are now being urged to come forward and apply for funding. Applications can be made in England via the Football Foundation on an ongoing basis, and in Wales via the Cymru Football Foundation.
Dedicated windows are opening shortly in Scotland and Northern Ireland with those interested encouraged to check relevant FA websites for more details. The first tranche of beneficiaries are expected to be confirmed in summer 2025.
The Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray, said: “Grassroots sports are the backbone of Scottish communities, providing opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to take part in physical activities.
“Through this scheme almost 100 facilities across Scotland, including in our island and rural communities, have been built or upgraded and with this new funding we can look forward to many more.
“As a lifelong football fan I am excited as we build towards hosting Euro2028. I look forward to working with the SFA to ensure everyone has the opportunity to play our national sport – as we support the team on the biggest stage.”
Scottish FA President, Mike Mulraney said: “When I became President, I made no secret of the fact that improving facilities at all levels should be the association’s No.1 priority.
“We are grateful to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and partners for this latest commitment, which will enable us to further improve the infrastructure of our national sport.
“This will increase participation, improve health and wellbeing and allow more people to experience the Power of Football.
“It follows the Scottish FA’s commitment to ensuring profits are diverted to facilities and infrastructure via our Pitching In fund and I look forward to further strengthening our partnership with UK Government, DCMS and Scottish Government, as well as philanthropic and business communities, to rejuvenate Scottish football’s facilities footprint.”
