SFA campaign launched in Glasgow to improve football facilities across Scotland

‘Pitching In’, which is being promoted by the Scottish FA in conjunction with the Scottish Partnership Trust, is a commitment from the governing body to lay new foundations for football’s future: a plan to work in partnership with public, private and charity sectors to address a significant shortfall in quality facilities.

Plans include upgrading 75 existing changing facilities, making them more welcoming and accessible, particularly for girls, women and the para community.

Scottish FA president Mike Mulraney and chief executive Ian Maxwell during the ‘Pitching In’ campaign launch at Nethercraigs Sports Complex (Image: Craig Williamson – SNS Group / SFA) Also upgrading 50 existing 3G pitches to improve an ageing estate across Scotland and building 40 brand-new 3G pitches to increase the number of high-quality facilities.

It is hoped the plans will be completed by 2030.

The campaign was launched at Nethercraigs Sports Complex, the home of  Pollok United – an SFA Quality Mark Legacy Club with 18 boys’ and girls’ teams.

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The governing body has made the first donation of £5m following a record turnover of £65m.

(Image: Craig Williamson – SNS Group / SFA) Mike Mulraney, SFA president, said: “When I became president, I made no secret of the fact that improving facilities at all levels should be the association’s No.1 priority.

“Pitching In is our commitment to that pledge.

“We all know the socio-economic challenges facing the country at local and national level and so we want to work in partnership to improve existing facilities and create them where there is need.

“This will increase participation, improve health and wellbeing and allow more people to experience the power of football.

“We have committed our profits this year to the facilities fund.

“We will also welcome contributions from the philanthropic and business communities through the Scottish Football Partnership Trust.

“The only way to address this alarming shortfall in quality pitches is by teamwork.

“We are grateful to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and partners for supporting nearly 100 projects in Scotland over the past four years with £42m and with a collective effort we can achieve so much more in the coming years.”

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive, added: “The power of football inspires the nation and transforms lives.

“Through Pitching In, we can make a significant contribution to current and future generations by providing more places to play, and more spaces for girls and women, as well as the growing para football community, to feel welcomed when playing football.

“We are pleased to make the first donation to the facilities fund here today at Pollok United, a real example of a modern, inclusive club run by the community, for the community.

“Our aim is to support similar projects across the country to provide a lifelong involvement of football from fun-4s to walking footballers and everyone in between.”