Tag: World Cup

World Cup inspiring Next Gen football volunteers, data shows

More than 1.5 million to stay up all night watching matches and over 4 million inspired to volunteer, finds Royal Voluntary Service 

The World Cup is in the Americas this summer, and despite being played across the pond, football fever has already taken hold of many Britons. 

New research by Royal Voluntary Service found over 24 million British adults plan to tune into a World Cup game this summer, and almost one in 10 (8%) say they would like to get more involved with football beyond simply watching the tournament.  

Like any good case of football fever, there are side effects – particularly for Gen Z and Millennials. Over 1 million 18-34s plan to sacrifice their sleep and stay up all night to watch World Cup games. However, dreams of the trophy also seem to be inspiring the younger generations, as over one in five (21%) would consider volunteering their time to support football in the community. 

For the first time, fans now have the opportunity take their love of the game beyond the sofa by connecting with football volunteering roles through through GoVo. 

With almost 6 million British adults saying they would consider volunteering in some capacity to support football, people are clearly looking for ways to support, not just spectate. 

GoVo is a new digital volunteering platform, offering opportunities with grassroots football teams across the country for footie fans to get a kick out of. 

Long after the league season ends and fantasy teams collapse into ruins, while the international stars take centre stage at the World Cup, volunteers will still be out marking pitches, coaching kids, organising training and quietly keeping local football alive. 

From coaching positions and inclusive football sessions to groundskeeping and community club support, volunteering opportunities are available for supporters who want to stay involved in the beautiful game long after the final whistle. 

Phil Wood, Chair of Operations at Epsom and Ewell Colts FC, a grassroots football club said: “People see the players on a weekend morning – but what is often not seen are the army of volunteers doing everything from seeding pitches, organising venues and arranging all the fixtures on a weekly basis.

“There are so many roles that keep a club running – without volunteers, grassroots football simply wouldn’t exist.” 

Volunteering opportunities on GoVo for football fans to tackle include: 

·         Offering an assist and supporting players at inclusive football sessions 

·         Becoming a grassroots gaffer as a volunteer Head Coach with a local team 

·         Getting stuck in helping local clubs run training sessions  

·         Step in like a super sub and support ad-hoc community football events and tournaments 

·         Becoming a backroom hero prepping pitches and keeping clubs match ready 

·         Practicing punditry and creating social media content, matchday updates and digital coverage for teams and foundations. 

Dave Stott, Director of Volunteering at Royal Voluntary Servive and Everton season ticket holder, said: “Most football fans have spent years shouting at managers from the sofa convinced they could do a better job – but grassroots football is where people can actually get involved and make a difference.

“Whether it’s helping at a local session, supporting a club behind the scenes or encouraging the next generation of players, volunteering is a way for fans to share their love of football in a completely different way.” 

Made possible thanks to the support of players of Postcode Lottery, GoVo connects people with bite-sized volunteering opportunities that fit easily into everyday life. Many of the football volunteering roles are flexible, so England and Scotland fans can find time between World Cup matches to squeeze in helping out.

Meanwhile, Wales fans have a slightly easier schedule to manage. 

Those inspired to get involved can browse football or sport-related volunteering opportunities in their area at GoVo.org.

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

Swinney: Scotland fans must not be priced out of the World Cup

John Swinney has called on FIFA to end dynamic pricing for World Cup tickets after supporters were hit with eye-watering costs to follow Scotland this summer.

The First Minister has written to FIFA President Gianni Infantino urging him to introduce a fairer ticketing model, warning that too many members of the Tartan Army risk being priced out of Scotland’s first men’s World Cup since 1998.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “The Tartan Army are the greatest supporters in the world, and have waited almost 30 years for the World Cup. They should not be priced out by dynamic ticket pricing.

“I’ve written to FIFA to urge fairer and more affordable prices. Football should be about fans, not finances.”

Full letter from the First Minister to FIFA President Gianni Infantino:

Dear Gianni Infantino,

As you will know, this summer Scotland will return to the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Our victory against Denmark led to the most remarkable scenes as people across Scotland celebrated one of the proudest moments in our recent sporting memory.

Steve Clarke and the team have instilled a sense of confidence and pride in our country that only our national game can bring.

That incredible moment for our nation will live long in the memory and in just a few months’ time thousands will embark on a trip to America to follow Scotland in our games against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil and, with a bit of magic from the boys, beyond that too.

Our Tartan Army has the chance to see our men’s national team at a World Cup for the first time in decades, but our historic return has been marred by FIFA’s dynamic pricing model that has made the trip simply unaffordable for so many loyal supporters.

This model has made this the most expensive World Cup in history and it is the opposite of what football, and indeed the biggest sporting occasion on the planet, should be about.

Scotland fans, travelling across the globe, are entirely justified in calling for you to put an end to this pricing model, particularly during a cost of living crisis when people are really struggling. I am urging you to act to introduce a fair, affordable ticketing model for fans going forward.

Scotland gave birth to our beautiful game and its management has been entrusted to you. But as you know football belongs to fans. It is now imperative you take responsibility to ensure that remains the case.

Yours sincerely,

John Swinney

First Minister of Scotland

Celebrating the Scotland men’s national team

First Minister: “Qualifying for the World Cup was a landmark moment”

First Minister John Swinney has met the Scotland men’s national team in Glasgow to celebrate the squad qualifying for their first World Cup finals since 1998.

The Scotland men’s national side, managed by Steve Clarke and captained by Andy Robertson MBE, will face Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in Group C this summer, with matches taking place in Boston and Miami.

The Scottish Government has announced £2 million for a “Summer of Sport” football fund to support clubs across the country to deliver new opportunities for children and young people by using the power of football.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Football is woven into the fabric of life in Scotland. The men’s team qualifying for the World Cup was a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark illustrated how important football is to this country.

“Thousands of fans will make the journey to the USA, but the whole country will be right behind the team. The Scottish Government will build on the excitement surrounding the World Cup and Glasgow’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games to deliver new sporting opportunities for young people across the country.

“Qualifying for the finals is an incredible achievement and I’m very proud of the team – tonight was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate that success.”

World Cup Public Holiday – gov.scot

World Cup bank holiday confirmed – gov.scot

Investing in sport and physical activity – gov.scot

Scotland’s World Cup group fixtures:

  • Scotland v Haiti — Boston, 14 June, 02:00 BST
  • Scotland v Morocco — Boston, 19 June, 23:00 BST
  • Scotland v Brazil — Miami, 24 June, 23:00 BST

World Cup Public Holiday

Celebrating Scotland’s first game since 1998

First Minister John Swinney will propose Monday 15 June 2026 is designated a national bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

This will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the men’s team play their opening game against Haiti in Boston.

The First Minister said: “Scotland qualifying for the men’s World Cup was a remarkable achievement and a landmark moment, and the reaction to the dramatic win against Denmark reminded us all what football means to the country.

“This year, we want to make the most of this huge opportunity for Scotland and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to celebrate the team’s success.

“Not only is this an historic sporting event, it’s also a chance for Scotland to be on the world stage, to attract business development, create tourism interest within the country and to make cultural and sporting connections.

“That is why I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that – no matter the outcome of the match – we can all come together to share the occasion.”

Scotland Star Takes Aim at the Stigma Around Kids Wearing Goggles in Football

Aston Villa and Scotland star John McGinn is calling for greater awareness and acceptance of children who wear glasses or protective goggles whilst playing football – inspired by his young nephew, Jack. 

McGinn’s now-famous ‘goggles celebration’ began as a personal gesture of support for Jack, who was found to have poor eyesight at the age of four and needs to wear glasses daily, and goggles to play football. 

‘Jack is my first-born nephew, and he was really upset when he had his eyes tested at first,’ McGinn explains. 

‘He didn’t want to be different from the others,’ says John. ‘As a wee bit of support, I said I’d do the goggles celebration. I didn’t manage to score at the Euros, so the first time I did it was a few months later for Aston Villa. He was absolutely over the moon.’ 

What started as a small gesture quickly turned into something much bigger – a movement helping children around the world feel confident wearing their glasses or goggles with pride. 

John – who has just renegotiated his contract with Aston Villa until 2028 – believes playing in the English Premier League has given the celebration a global platform, raising awareness that eyesight challenges shouldn’t prevent children from enjoying sport. 

‘My celebration gave Jack so much confidence to wear the goggles,” John explains. “He now plays for a little club called Glenvale and all his teammates know Jack is the reason why I do the celebration. 

‘It makes him more comfortable to wear them – and for all children with eyesight issues, you shouldn’t be made to feel different.’ 

McGinn says he has been overwhelmed by the global response from parents and young players, receiving messages from across the world thanking him for raising awareness. 

‘I think it’s amazing, I love being able to be a positive role model. Having an impact on so many kids around the world is a huge reason and motivation to do it. For me, it’s a huge part of my game now and something I’ll keep doing for the rest of my career,’ John adds. 

Super John McGinn also highlighted the importance of safety when it comes to protective eyewear in sport. 

‘The risk of a ball hitting a child wearing glasses is huge. Goggles protect their eyes, and with the technology available now, there’s no reason any child should feel uncomfortable wearing them. It’s about safety, comfort, and enjoyment,’ McGinn explains. 

The 31-year-old hopes he can encourage parents to have their children’s eyesight checked regularly – and that more players will help normalise goggles on the pitch. 

He explains that good eyesight is essential in football – being able to see a defender in your peripheral vision or spot a teammate making a run can be the difference in a game. 

‘It’s great to see players like Andrew Tod in the Scottish Championship wearing goggles and doing their own celebration. There should be more positive messages around glasses and goggles,’ says McGinn. 

Jenny Stephenson, chairperson for Specsavers Scotland, says: ‘John’s story is an inspiration to children across the world, and the very reason Specsavers works so closely with the Scottish FA – it underpins everything we do as opticians.’ 

Specsavers is supporting young athletes by offering a discount on prescription sports goggles for club players under the age of 18. The initiative aims to promote safety and confidence by offering 10 percent off goggles. 

Jenny continues: ‘The new sports goggles campaign is about more than vision – it’s about confidence and inclusion. We want young players and their parents to see sports goggles as a normal, affordable and essential part of the game, so no child ever feels held back from playing the sport they love. 

‘Parents can be reassured by Specsavers’ care and expertise, while players can focus on performance – knowing their eyewear is safe, durable and designed for the demands of football.’ 

John concludes: ‘I would encourage everyone to make sure they’re getting their eyes tested as frequently as possible. The earlier you find out about any issues the better.  

‘Hopefully one day Jack’s out there playing at Hampden for Scotland wearing the goggles – that would be the McGinn legacy.’ 

Charity urges people to #BeAMate during World Cup and party season

The Royal Lifesaving Society UK (RLSS UK) has this year extended its annual Don’t Drink and Drown campaign to cover the FIFA World Cup tournament. Don’t Drink and Drown begins on Monday 21 November and will run until 18 December.

The campaign usually targets those who will be enjoying the festive period with their friends and family but with the home nations of England and Wales both qualifying for the tournament, the charity wants to encourage everyone who is heading out this winter to take extra care. 

Don’t Drink and Drown is RLSS UK’s national campaign that encourages smart decision making whilst being drunk and the risks of drowning if near water. It particularly targets individuals to be responsible for their friends if they have had too much to drink; #BeAMate and help them to return home safely.

On average, each year 80 people lose their lives through substance-related drowning and the charity fears that a tournament such as this, at this time of year, may increase those tragic incidents.

Whether heading to the pub to watch a game, going to a work party, having a reunion with friends, or arranging a family gathering, the charity wants to ensure that everyone has the right knowledge around water safety, and chooses a route home away from the water after drinking. 

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said, “This is the first time that the world cup will have been held during our winter time, so it will be a completely different experience to what we have been used to in previous tournaments, when we may have seen people in pub beer gardens, watching the games on a big screen in the summer sun. 

“This timing, paired with the celebrations around Christmas, raises concerns around water safety. We want to ensure that everyone enjoys the tournament and the festive period, but they are also able to stay safe around the various waterways on their routes home.”

Lee added: “We have prepared lots of messaging which will be shared during the four weeks of the campaign, encouraging everyone to take care, not only of themselves, but of their friends, whilst out drinking.

We would like to encourage everyone to share these messages with their friends and family, so we can ensure that we equip as many people as possible with the right knowledge around water safety.”

With alcohol impairing our judgements, limiting muscle ability, slowing down reactions and numbing our senses, this can mean that even for strong swimmers, entering the water after drinking can be extremely dangerous.

Statistics show that 45% of drownings of those aged 16-25 cited alcohol or drugs and where known, over half of alcohol/drug related drownings occurred between 11pm and 5am, which is five times higher than those that weren’t alcohol/drug related. (WAID, 2021)

RLSS UK research also shows that three in four of people who drowned were not with someone they knew when they drowned; this is why one of the charity’s key messages is to be a mate and ensure that your friends get home safely, stick together and find a route home away from the water.

For further detail on RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign visit www.rlss.org.uk/dont-drink-and-drown where you can also download resources to spread the word and help keep your friends and family safe this winter.

Rugby star issues health warning ahead of World Cup

  • The upcoming 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan is a once in a lifetime event with over 1.8 million fans expected to attend
  • Most fans will not be aware of deadly conditions such as Japanese Encephalitis, Tick Borne Encephalitis and Rabies Enchephalitis which occur across south-east Asia and the Pacific Islands.
  • Rugby legend, John Bentley is supporting a campaign encouraging fans to be fully prepared in plenty of time before the games

With a month to go until the Japanese Rugby World Cup 2019, both fans and players will be in full preparation mode, with the event expected to attract the largest ever number of foreign fans. More than 600,000 of the 1.8 million available tickets expected to be held by international fans making the journey to Japan. Continue reading Rugby star issues health warning ahead of World Cup

Auld Reekie's Magnificent Seven target World Cup glory

Lianne 'Crazylegs' Parry in action
Lianne ‘Crazylegs’ Parry in action

Edinburgh’s very own roller derby team, the Auld Reekie Roller Girls, are sending some of their finest skaters to compete for Team Scotland in the sport’s World Cup in Texas next month. The Scotland squad will be captained by local lass Lianne ‘Crazylegs’ Parry.

Skaters from leagues all over Scotland tried out earlier in the year to compete on ‘Team Scotland’, but only the best 20 skaters have been chosen to travel to Dallas, Texas, in a few weeks’ time.

Team Scotland’s final line-up includes players from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen, but Auld Reekie has contributed the lions’ share – an impressive seven capital players have made the squad.

Roller derby is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and has seen an explosion in popularity over recent years. It involves teams competing on an oval track in a series of “jams” – two-minute periods that see teams of five players racing to score points. During each jam, one player on each team is designated as the “jammer” who scores a point for every member of the opposing team she passes.

The tournament takes place in Dallas from 4 – 7 December, where teams from 29 countries will battle it out for the trophy. Scotland was one of only 13 teams to compete in the first ever roller derby World Cup held in 2011, so this year’s tournament shows just how much the sport’s popularity has increased.

Team Scotland is captained by the Auld Reekie Roller Girls’ own Lianne Parry, who has been skating for over five years. Lianne, who’s from Cramond, said: “I think we’re all just really proud to be representing Scotland. I really believe in this team, a lot of the skaters inspire me with their attitude; there is a lot of talent and oodles of passion – Scottish roller derby looks seriously good for the future.”

Go, Team Scotland!

Team Scotland are fundraising by selling specially designed merchandise, designed by the team’s own Admiral Attackbar. 

You can also help Team Scotland get to Dallas by donating via this link: http://gogetfunding.com/project/get-team-scotland-to-dallas