Aldi Scotland awards £7,000 to sports clubs across Edinburgh and Lothians

Caledonian Thebans RFC received £2,500 funding as part of Aldi’s initiative

Aldi Scotland has invested £7,000 in eight local sports clubs across Edinburgh and the Lothians as part of its annual Scottish Sport Fund initiative.

The fund supports the supermarket’s commitment to cultivating a healthier Scotland through the positive impact of community sports clubs. Applications open throughout the year in different regions across Scotland, calling on local teams to apply for funding up to £2,500.

Caledonian Thebans RFC was awarded £2,500 – the highest funding available.

Since its formation in 2002, Caledonian Thebans RFC have worked to prove that sexual orientation, gender identity, background and social prejudice have no bearing on a person’s sporting ability. Its team members are made up of LGBTQIA+ people, as well as straight allies, and operate a prejudice-free policy, allowing everyone to enjoy rugby.

The club plans to use the funding from Aldi to purchase much needed training equipment.

Elsewhere in the region, Muirfield Riding Therapy and Nuvoc Volleyball Club received £1,000. Women in Scotland Playing Squash (WISPS), No Limits Sports Club, West Lothian Netters, Haddington Community Football Club and Forth Canoe Club all received £500 each.

Aldi Scotland introduced its Scottish Sport Fund in 2016 to motivate and encourage individuals of all ages and skill levels to participate in physical activities within their local communities and improve access to sport. To date, almost 600 clubs across Scotland have benefitted from the Fund, which has now amassed more than £400,000.

Sam Abdulla, Club Chair, Caledonian Thebans RFC, said: “As an inclusive LGBTQIA+ rugby club, this support is more than just financial – it represents a shared commitment to fostering diversity, equality, and belonging within our community.

“These funds will help us to expand access to the sport we love, and on behalf of the entire team, we are so pleased to receive this generous funding from Aldi Scotland.”

Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director for Aldi Scotland, said: “Since 2016, Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund has given a wide range of sports clubs the chance to benefit from essential funding to help them invest in much-needed equipment and resources.

“It’s humbling to see how much of a difference extra funding can make to clubs like Caledonian Thebans RFC and in supporting people across Scotland to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.”

For more information about Aldi’s Scottish Sport Fund, please visit: 

www.aldi.co.uk/scottishsportfund.