The Scottish FA is delighted to have been awarded £8.6m of funding from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to enhance football and sport facilities across the country.

The latest tranche of DCMS investment, announced today by the Culture Secretary at Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club, will enable the Scottish FA to support new and improved pitches, changing rooms and infrastructure in local communities nationally.

The pledge from the Government’s Plan for Change will be added to the Scottish FA’s first donation of £5m to its Pitching In campaign which aims to invest £50m into facilities improvements by 2028, when Scotland becomes a co-host of the UEFA EURO.

The funding will also be targeted at deprived areas and support greater access and participation levels among under-represented people including women and girls, ethnic minority groups and para players.  

Mike Mulraney, Scottish FA President: “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.

“We are grateful to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and partners for this latest commitment, which will enable us to further improve the infrastructure of our national sport.

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

“It follows the Scottish FA’s commitment to ensuring profits are diverted to facilities and infrastructure via our Pitching In campaign and I look forward to further strengthening our partnership with UK Government, DCMS and Scottish Government, as well as philanthropic and business communities, to rejuvenate Scottish football’s facilities footprint.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

“Grassroots sport clubs are at the beating heart of communities across the UK, but too many are stuck with unwelcoming, tired and outdated facilities that aren’t up to standard. 

“That’s why we’re investing another £100 million to support new and upgraded pitches, changing rooms and clubhouses across the country, providing transformational funding to the areas that need it most.

“It is our mission to remove barriers to an active lifestyle, ensuring that wherever people may live, they can access high quality sports facilities and experience the joy that sport brings."

Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland:

"Grassroots sports are the backbone of Scottish communities, providing opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to take part in physical activities.

"Through this scheme almost 100 facilities across Scotland, including in our island and rural communities, have been built or upgraded and with this new funding we can look forward to many more.

"As a lifelong football fan I am excited as we build towards hosting Euro2028. I look forward to working with the SFA to ensure everyone has the opportunity to play our national sport - as we support the team on the biggest stage.”

Clubs and organisations are invited to apply for funding via pitching-in@scottishfa.co.uk from Monday, 24 March.

The first tranche of beneficiaries is expected to be confirmed in summer 2025.