Scottish Gas Boosts Grassroots Football With Scottish FA Partnership
Scottish Gas teams up with the Scottish Football Association to supercharge grassroots participation and become title partner of both the men’s and women’s Scottish Cup.
Scottish Gas and the Scottish FA have today announced an unprecedented five-year agreement.
The partnership will see Scottish Gas invest significantly in grassroots football in the country – with funding used to launch 120 new week-long holiday camps. The camps will offer 6,000 opportunities for children to play football and include free lunches to combat “holiday hunger” for those that need it most.
Scottish Gas will also boost investment in Scottish Para-Football’s disability community initiatives, which use the power of football to improve people’s lives, by working with six clubs each year to set up the required infrastructure and playing conditions for the local para community.
This unique partnership will help bring to life the historic 150th anniversary of the Men’s Scottish Cup next season and makes Scottish Gas the first dual-partner of both Cups, following the Women’s Scottish Cup coming under the Scottish FA’s jurisdiction this season, culminating in the first ever final at Hampden Park in front of more than 10,000 supporters.
Additionally, the partnership will help to deliver on the Scottish Government’s Net Zero ambitions by 2045, by working with the Scottish FA to explore options to make Hampden Park more sustainable, as well as designing a programme for Scottish football clubs to help reduce their carbon footprint and create more sustainable communities.
Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, owner of Scottish Gas, said: “Our partnership with the Scottish FA is the perfect match of energy and passion for Scottish Gas as we team up to support the nation.”
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive, commented: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Scottish Gas on board as a committed multi-level partner and supporter of the Power of Football.
“As part of our 150th anniversary celebrations, they will help us activate the oldest and youngest cup trophies in world football, bringing new and existing fans on that famous Road to Hampden.
“Through this agreement, Scottish Gas will also help reinforce the impact our national game has at grassroots level, especially among those whose need is greatest. We look forward to bringing the partnership to life and highlighting the ways in which, together, we can inspire the nation and transform lives.”
The announcement follows research into the positive impact of football participation by the Scottish FA, with 93 percent of grassroots players saying that football helps them cope with anxiety, stress or depression and 98 percent of players admitting that they are happier because they are part of a club.
The partnership aligns with Centrica’s People & Planet Plan which aims to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for communities by supporting organisations up and down the UK.
Image: Scottish FA
