The Extra Time Programme, launched in 2023 as a joint partnership between the Scottish Government and the Scottish FA, which supports local football clubs and trusts to deliver before school, after school and holiday activity for primary age children. In 2025 funding was extended to enable a 3rd Phase of the Programme, supporting activity from April 2025 to March 2026. This funding was increased to £5.5 million (a rise on the £4 million investment for Phase 2) which supported expansion of the Programme to increase local authority coverage and the number of clubs delivering activity, allowing 50 clubs to deliver across 27 local authorities throughout Phase 3.

To highlight the ongoing impact of the Programme and the positive outcomes it is having for children and families to families across Scotland, the Scottish FA have today published the latest Extra Time Evaluation Report developed by the Scottish FA’s Extra Time research partner Substance. The 2026 Evaluation Report provides an in-depth overview of the Programmes’ processes and its impacts. It brings together a range of evidence and insights captured through a range of methods including, focus groups, stakeholder interviews and quantitative and qualitative reporting, helping identify key strengths, challenges, areas for development and valuable learnings - while also providing a comprehensive overview of programme outcomes.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Màiri McAllan said:

"I am pleased to welcome the publication of the Extra Time Programme Evaluation Report, which sets out the real and meaningful difference this programme is making to thousands of children and families across Scotland.

“Since we launched Extra Time in 2023, we have seen it grow from 25 clubs to 50, reaching around 5,000 children in 27 local authority areas. This report confirms what we have heard from families themselves — that this programme is helping children to thrive, building their confidence, improving their wellbeing, and giving them access to activities and experiences they might not otherwise have.

“Crucially, Extra Time is also supporting parents and carers. Investing in the provision of wraparound activities, which extend the school day is helping families — many of them lone parents — to sustain or increase their working hours, reducing financial pressures and taking us closer to our goal of eradicating child poverty.

“The evaluation also reflects honestly on the challenges ahead. Demand for Extra Time is high — and in some areas it is exceeding current capacity. That tells us how valued this programme is, and it reinforces why we have committed over £5.5 million a year through to 2027-28 to continue expanding its reach.

“I want to thank the Scottish Football Association, the clubs and trusts delivering on the ground, and above all the families who have shared their experiences. This is a programme built on trust and relationships, and it is working."

Following the announcement of continued funding of £5.5 million made in January 2026 to support a 4th phase of the Extra Time programme, Extra Time activity will now be supported until March 2028, continuing the significant positive impact already achieved across the programmes initial 3 phases.