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.

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 yesterday 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 yesterday 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.”

Pollok United Community Engagement and Funding Lead Deborah McCabe yesterday 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.”

Background

Funding also contributes to monitoring, evaluation and administrative costs.

Extra Time Programme