Scottish FA members received an early Christmas present last week with greater than expected final payments meaning a record eight-figure sum has been distributed in 2018.   

Over £11 million has been shared between the association’s members, continuing the Scottish FA’s support of clubs nationwide to grow the game and ensure that Scottish football remains in a strong position.

Included in the record sum is over £6 million of revenue from the William Hill Scottish Cup, derived from broadcasting and sponsorship rights and match-day income from the semi-finals and final.

A significant sum was also invested through Club Licensing, with over £1.7 million split across the five licencing tiers, including payments to the affiliated national associations. 

Those clubs involved in Club Academy Scotland, the Scottish FA’s youth performance programme, received more than £2.5m. Investment levels are set against various performance and infrastructure criteria, considering areas such as domestic and international appearances for home-grown players, level of coaching qualifications, facilities, talent identification processes and sports science and medicine set-ups.

Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “We are delighted to be able to continue to increase our level of investment in our membership. 

Whilst 2018 has not been without its challenges, we have strived to protect our members from any negative financial effects. Indeed, as Chief Executive, I am extremely proud of being able to strengthen our commitment to our members with a record sum of investment this year.

“We know that this time of year can be a difficult one to navigate in financial terms for clubs at all levels. We therefore hope that, by ensuring that this investment is paid before the festive period, clubs are able to fully benefit from this extra support.

“We are fully committed to ensuring the continued development of football at all levels across Scotland and be in the position to recognise the terrific work of our clubs in growing the game.”