Football clubs to benefit from £2 million investment towards school age childcare

        As part of a partnership between the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Government, a number of football clubs in Scotland will receive $2 million to support the provision of clubs for after-school and holiday activities.

On Monday morning, First Minister Humza Yousaf and Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell made the announcement at Ayr Academy.

The outstanding ongoing pilot work with Ayr United Football Academy (AUFA), which received funding in 2021, led to this investment.

AUFA helps a group of primary schools and local partners provide children with after-school and holiday club activities during the school year. Participants are provided with food and offered football, multi-sport, and some classroom-based activities during the sessions.

In addition to the activity for children, the AUFA funding offered training and coaching certifications and employability courses to parents and caregivers.

Two years ago, the Scottish Government designated the South Ayrshire club for funding as a result of a collaborative approach between the Scottish FA, UEFA, and AUFA to produce a Social Return on Investment Report.

Several other clubs will be able to benefit from AUFA-like projects as a result of this investment. Clubs will be invited to submit funding applications, and a panel will evaluate proposals. In the coming weeks, you will be informed of the specifics of this procedure.

Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell: The Scottish FA is pleased with the announcement made today by the Scottish Government. With this investment, other clubs can build on the Ayr United Football Academy project's remarkable success.

"By diminishing obstructions to play, members and families will profit from further developed prosperity, further reinforcing the connections between our clubs and their nearby networks.

"In our Football for All strategy, this significant initiative is in line with the Scottish FA's vision to harness the power of the game to inspire the nation, transform lives, and increase activity at all levels.

Ayr United Football Academy Chair Allan Gunning says, "We're excited about the opportunity to bring this to even more children across Scotland." "We already know the positive impact the project in Ayr has had on local children and their families." Through holiday and after-school clubs, this project offers a wide range of activities to children and their families.

"It is conveying positive results for youngsters including: enhanced fitness, improved nutrition, expanded participation in education, and expanded access to sports and activities

"The project is also providing families with positive outcomes, such as; assisting with employment, education, and training, expanding family and community involvement in grassroots clubs and organizations, and so on.

"We appreciate the Scottish Government's ongoing commitment to improving outcomes and are delighted that project funding continues."

Minister of State Humza Yousaf: Priorities include combating child poverty and assisting families to cope with pressures from rising living costs.

"Funded childcare for children in school benefits families in numerous ways. It helps caregivers and parents transition into the workforce, allowing them to support their families and contribute to the wellbeing economy.

"It also provides children with safe, nurturing environments and opportunities to socialize and participate in a variety of activities,"

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