The Scottish FA has today published its manifesto ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, outlining how football can help deliver stronger, healthier, and more connected communities across the country.

The document sets out a series of practical, evidence-based proposals designed to unlock football’s full potential as a delivery partner for public policy, aligning with national priorities including economic growth, public health and tackling child poverty.

Football remains Scotland’s most widely followed and played sport, with 59% of Scots following the game, 59% of children and 28% of adults participating. Across the country, more than 2,800 clubs, 166,000 registered players and approximately 630,000 community participants demonstrate the game’s unparalleled reach within local communities.

A national asset for public good

The manifesto positions football as more than a sport, highlighting its role as a “national and international asset, embedded in communities in every part of Scotland”.

With major international milestones on the horizon, including UEFA EURO 2028 and a bid to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035, the Scottish FA believes football can act as a catalyst to improve lives across Scotland.

The governing body is calling for a formal, cross-portfolio strategic partnership with the incoming Scottish Government regardless of its political colour, recognising football as a key delivery partner across health, education, communities, justice and economic development.

Key manifesto pledges

At the heart of the manifesto are four core proposals designed to remove barriers to participation and maximise football’s impact:

· A strategic partnership with government to align policy, investment and delivery across multiple sectors

· Long-term, ringfenced investment in facilities to modernise community infrastructure and support sustainability

· Participation vouchers to ensure every child can access football regardless of financial circumstances

· Opening school facilities for wider community use, alongside expanding football-led health programmes

These measures are designed to build on existing work already delivered through clubs and programmes embedded in communities nationwide.

Delivering real impact

The manifesto highlights the tangible benefits football already provides. Community participation is estimated to generate £26 million in avoidable healthcare savings annually, alongside a further £47 million in social and economic value through improved wellbeing, education and employability outcomes.

By strengthening collaboration with government, the Scottish FA believes these outcomes can be scaled further, supporting preventative public services and long-term investment in communities.

Tackling inequality and improving access

A central theme of the manifesto is removing barriers to participation, particularly for young people.

The proposed introduction of universal participation vouchers aims to ensure that no child is excluded from football due to cost, helping to tackle child poverty while improving physical and mental health outcomes.

Alongside this, the “Pitching In” proposal calls for sustained investment in facilities, recognising that access to high-quality pitches and changing environments is essential to growing participation, particularly in para and women’s and girls’ football.

Clubs at the heart of communities

The manifesto also emphasises the role of clubs as trusted community hubs, capable of delivering wider social outcomes.

Through stronger partnerships with the NHS and public health agencies, clubs could expand their role in delivering mental health support, social prescribing and preventative health programmes.

Opening school facilities for community use would further enhance access, particularly in areas where existing infrastructure is limited.

A call to action

With the 2026 Scottish Parliament election approaching, the Scottish FA is calling on all political parties and candidates to support the manifesto’s proposals.

The organisation believes the structures, workforce and community trust are already in place, and that with the right strategic alignment and investment, football can play a transformative role in delivering national outcomes.

As outlined in the document, the pledges are practical, deliverable and high impact, with the potential to contribute to economic growth, improved public health, greater social inclusion and more resilient communities across Scotland.

The Scottish FA has invited stakeholders to engage with the proposals and explore how football can support both national and local priorities in the years ahead.