The Scottish FA is delighted to have been awarded £8.14m of funding from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to enhance football and sport facilities across the country.
This funding will enable the Scottish FA to support 36 community projects across Scotland as they benefit from new all-weather pitches, extended playing hours through floodlighting, and modern changing facilities designed to welcome underserved groups like women and girls, in a new boost for grassroots sport facilities by the Government.
The announcement was made as Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy visited East Kilbride United Community Sports Club, who received £310,000 across 2024-26 for a new artificial pitch and changing pavilion at Kirktonholme. The upgraded facility now hosts women's and girls' teams, school PE lessons, and a walking football programme supporting men's mental health.
Scottish FA President Mike Mulraney said:
“We are grateful to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and partners for their continued support. This latest funding announcement will enable us to further invest in the infrastructure of our national sport, which I have made my number one priority as President.
“It will allow us to reinforce the Power of Football by increasing participation among all ages and abilities, and improving health and wellbeing as a result.
“The association has also committed to diverting profits to our Pitching In campaign and we look forward to strengthening our partnerships with the UK Government, Scottish Government, business and philanthropic communities and local authorities to transform our facilities estate.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, said:
"This is sport delivering for the nation. Every pound we invest in grassroots facilities is a pound that takes pressure off our NHS, supports mental and physical health, and opens doors for new community members to benefit from sport - like women and girls who've been shut out for too long.
"We're supporting communities that have made do with run-down pitches and crumbling changing rooms for years. This government is turning that around – building the facilities that get people active, bring communities together, and nurture the next generation of sporting talent."
UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said:
“Scotland is a nation passionate about sports and it's great to see how in the year that our men's team returns to the football World Cup UK Government investment is benefiting local communities through new and upgraded sporting facilities at the likes of East Kilbride United.
"The UK Government is continuing to ensure communities the length and breadth of Scotland have access to quality pitches, changing pavilions, lighting, goalposts and other facilities essential for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
“Grassroots sports are at the heart of Scotland’s communities and the UK Government is committed to helping local clubs - and the health and well-being of those who use them - flourish"
Clubs and organisations are invited to apply for funding via pitching-in@scottishfa.co.uk