Applications for the Scottish FA’s Pitching In fund for 2026/27 are now open.

The Scottish FA’s Pitching In fund will distribute £8.14m into football facilities identified as critical in retaining and increasing participation at grassroots level.

These facilities will promote healthy, physical activity through football and other sports, contributing to social inclusion and cohesion in safe and attractive environments and in a sustainable way.

Pitching In investment prioritises;

  • Football supporting facilities in identified areas of deprivation
  • Girls and Women's activity that supports growth and retains participation
  • Multi-sport opportunities where possible - as a minimum, 5 hours per week of activity beyond football
  • Projects that offer regular use to under-represented groups

Pitching In was born from a consultation alongside sportscotland, which highlighted a need for better pitches and better facilities, across the country. Alongside the Scottish Football Partnership Trust, we intend to fix this.

We aim to raise £50 million by 2030 to develop and grow the game we love, by investing in pitches and changing facilities.

Symington Tinto AFC in North Lanarkshire was a recipient of Pitching In funding, which saw them install a new pitch with plans for a revamped clubhouse in the works.

The new pitch has been a game changer for the club, allowing them to go from 60-70 kids, to 300-plus every week.

Co-founder and Club Secretary Gus MacKay said:

“The building is tired so we’re doing something about it. We wanted a hall where we could do our own fundraising. The existing structure is 40 years old and it’s served its purpose.

“The extension will give us more dressing rooms, particularly on the girls’ and women’s side, which we’re trying to build up.

“One of the reasons it’s tired is because it’s very important to us that everyone gets access to playing football. The monthly fee is £10 and deliberately so. We also have a policy of ‘if that’s too much, speak to us and we’ll do something about it’.

“We don’t do trials. Everyone can play. Everyone is accepted here.”

The Pitching In fund for 2026/27 is now live. Full details on how to apply are available here.