2018-19 ANNUAL REPORT 06 CONTENTS

4 WELCOME AND FOREWORD 10 Setting the scene. 6 THE CHANGING ROOM Supporting men’s mental health with Hibernian & Heart 16 of Midlothian. 10 FOOTBALL FANS IN TRAINING Meet Jim & Susan whose lives were changed by taking part in FFIT. 20 16 JOY OF MOVING Getting kids healthier and more active across Glasgow with Celtic and Rangers. 22 18 FESTIVE FRIENDS Making Christmas that little bit brighter for older, socially isolated people.

24 22 FOOTBALL FOR ALL Helping families get to a football match when times have been tough. 24 4-4-2 READING CHALLENGE 30 Encouraging kids to pick up a book - with free match tickets. 26 BUILDING CAPACITY 32 Learn about Caroline Farquhar’s new role as our Network and Partnership Officer. 28 ALL CLUB CONFERENCE Reviewing our annual engagement event with clubs, 34 trusts and those delivering best practice. 30 BETFRED CUP FINAL STARS 36 Meet the two lucky kids participating in community activities who led out the teams. 32 LOMOND IN LONDON Get ready to Roar, as our new mascot makes his debut 39 - in London! 34 SURE FIRE WINNERS The launch of our partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Hampden haze: Participants from 36 FUNDRAISING & GOING GLOBAL Aberdeen FC’s Football Fans in News from our fundraising efforts, as we take to the Training celebrate scoring (and international stage. saving) at the Betfred Cup Final. 38 LOOKING FORWARD Meet Jim Blagdan on page 10. Our CEO Nicky Reid has the final word, as she takes a look at the year ahead. 2 3 Trusted To Support

FOREWORD FROM THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

I am delighted to contribute to the at the Trusts and Foundations associated 2019 SPFL Trust annual report, which with our clubs. showcases the powerful work delivered Football Fans In Training is the flagship by the Trust and its members. Our priorities programme and the Scottish Government Welcome to our 2018-19 Annual Report. Football is our national game, watched by is proud to continue to fund this You’ll see that Scottish football has an • Inspire SPFL clubs to meet tens of thousands of people every week. remarkable success story which has now extraordinary power to reach those who This report underlines that our national being adopted in England and Germany. various local community needs are hardest to engage. game is about more than 90 minutes on But it is just one of a number of SPFL The selection of stories in this report are a Saturday, much more than 22 people • Build capacity in SPFL clubs Trust programmes which are promoting testament to the potential the SPFL Trust to help engage with local kicking a ball. and our clubs have to change people’s lives. a healthy lifestyle, strengthening mental communities The deep-rooted connection people of health and wellbeing, reducing social We work in partnership with Scotland’s 42 • Engage funders to facilitate all ages have with football is inspiring the isolation or improving attainment. professional clubs and external agencies provision of programmes which deliver a to promote, support, fund and administer national projects at a local Countless lives improved and wide range of benefits. activities which inspire SPFL clubs to help level communities strengthened, using the meet the identified social needs of the The ball – and the power of the badge – is power of football. people of Scotland. • Establish relationships at the hook to strengthen communities, to As the SPFL Trust approaches its tenth a national level to ensure help individuals improve their life chances. Our purpose is to use football’s unique year, it continues to be a valued partner presence to assist Scotland’s people to achieve that Scotland’s professional That work is taking place in communities for the Scottish Government. their goals and improve their life chances. football clubs are at the heart across Scotland – much of it co-ordinated Our vision is to work with SPFL clubs to of the national vision to tackle by the SPFL Trust, but most of it delivered Jeanne Freeman MSP use the unique power of football to engage social issues locally by dedicated staff and volunteers Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport with communities. 4 5 Trusted To Support HEALTH

He met Craig, Big Hearts’ General Manager, to talk about what he’d been going through and discovered that Big Hearts was working This group helped me on a project for men’s mental health called to learn how to talk The Changing Room. about my feelings. He was invited to the launch of the project and signed up to be a participant for the first “I don’t believe I’ll ever get rid of my 12 weeks of the programme. depression and anxiety, I still have my ups and It helped him so much that he’s now a downs, but now when I’m on a downward volunteer leader for the programme, helping slope I know how to bring myself back from other men to improve their mental health. that.” Bryan said: “I’ve been a fan of everything Bryan now sees other men attending the group The Changing Room was created by that Big Hearts have done over the years, for the first time. In them, he recognises how the Scottish Association for Mental but I had never thought of volunteering difficult it can be to open up. He knows what Health (SAMH), in partnership with for them before. it feels like. the SPFL Trust, with funding from the “When I had my own mental health issues He said: “Many men are brought up with the Movember Foundation. they helped me enormously and I felt it was idea that they need to ‘man up’ and they don’t The programme is for men aged between only right to give back and help others.” feel comfortable talking about how they feel. 30 and 64 and takes place at both Heart Bryan says it was great to talk to other “When they come along to meetings they of Midlothian and Hibernian. It provides people at the group meetings who had been soon realise that there’s no such thing as a safe space for participants who have through similar experiences and it has helped ‘manning up’ and it’s OK to talk about things. him to develop the tools to cope with his poor mental health, to explore ways to “By the end of the 12 weeks they start to open depression and anxiety. improve their wellbeing. up and to be honest, which is very rewarding He added: “When it comes to mental health to see. issues men tend to not talk about it, but “I love being able to help other people by talking does help. using my own experience. “The group also provides everyone with lots of THE CHANGING ROOM new connections and friends.”

Bryan Millan Suicide is the single biggest cause of death of men under 45 in the UK. Bryan Millan (42) went through a very dark period with his mental health two years Men account for 75% of UK deaths by suicide. ago when he was suffering with severe depression and anxiety and attempted to ONS. (2019). Suicides in the UK: 2018 registrations take his own life. After this period of illness the lifelong fan of Hearts contacted the club because You can call Samaritans free and in he’d heard about the wonderful work they confidence 24-hours-a-day on1 16 123 do in the community through their social media and by word of mouth. 6 7 Trusted To Support HEALTH

Kristian Wilson rehabilitation programme at Redhall Walled “Over the course of the project, the Garden in Edinburgh. conversation moved from football to being Kristian Wilson (46) has battled with more about mental health. We had positive His confidence was beginning to grow, mental illness since the age of 19. and proactive conversations, which were great but because he’d recently moved back to for my healing process. The Changing Room MENTAL He was prescribed various medication for Edinburgh, he still felt lonely and disconnected was non-judgemental, and helped me to move severe clinical depression and underwent many from the local community and wanted to on to better and bigger things in life. different treatments including talking therapy meet and talk to new people. HEALTH and electrical convulsive therapy. “It sounds like such a simple thing, but the Kristian said: “The Changing Room was a connections I built up over the 12-week FIRST AID At his worst Kristian was in bed for a year and welcoming and safe environment to talk about programme reduced my loneliness so a half. He was also hospitalised several times my mental health recovery, and to learn new much. The leaders on the course were really due to suicidal feelings and sadly his marriage skills and techniques to help me manage my understanding, and I feel so fortunate to have TRAINING broke down as a result of his ill health. The wellbeing. Through the project, my physical taken part.” family lost their home, and he didn’t have any activity gradually increased, and I was able to contact with his two daughters, now aged 15 open up about my mental health. Kristian’s older brother tragically took his lifetime attendance and 13, for many years. own life when he was only 36 and Kristian 310 “It gave me hope for the future, and by was determined to follow a different path Kristian found out about Hibernian Football increasing my confidence and self-esteem, I and get better. organisations Club’s Changing Room project while he was was able to develop new friendships. It made 82 taking part in a Scottish Association for me feel less lonely and it was such a relief to Kristian added: “Something like The Changing Mental Health (SAMH) horticultural therapy be open and honest about my mental health. Room could have helped him. I miss him Including SPFL clubs dearly, but feel so grateful for all the hope and 41 courage that The Changing Room has given me – it’s completely turned my life around. We deliver Mental Health First Aid “The sessions give people a chance to open Training in partnership with the up and say how they feel about things. Chris Mitchell Foundation. Participants feel safe and don’t feel the need Our two-day course aims to equip to hide anything. staff and volunteers with the Having a sense of community skills to provide initial support, to prevent problems from getting and belonging has been worse, and provide tools for giving crucial to my recovery and comfort that’s where The Changing This enables course participants to Room has really helped. talk about suicide, recognise the signs of mental health problems, Kristian now regularly meets up with his and ensure they can provide daughters and has started working as a initial support, before signposting volunteer for a fitness and health programme towards appropriate help. run by Edinburgh Council and as a gardener at Saughton Park in Edinburgh. In 2018-19 ten Mental Health First Aid Training courses took place at He added: “I’m one of the lucky ones, a series of different venues. These everything started slotting together in recent included , Heart of years to help my recovery. Midlothian FC’s Tynecastle Park “Having a good support network of friends and Inverurie Loco Works FC’s and family has been a huge part of that.” Harlaw Park. 8 9 Trusted To Support HEALTH

FOOTBALL FANS 12 week programme Free weekly sessions IN TRAINING For both men and women Theory & physical training 27 Local football clubs Delivered by a club coach SPFL clubs

to bring the trophy back home to He added: “It’s been great for Name: Jim Blagden the north. To say the programme me and I loved the process and MEN’S Age: 50 was a success for Jim would be an winning the cup. I hope we can do understatement. A massive nine it again but, the best part has been IMPACT Impact: 57.1 kg loss stone had been lost, a lifestyle being able to encourage others changed, friends made for life with my story. 680 and cup winning heroics for those PARTICIPANTS “We have five new folks coming Jim Blagden He had always loved his football and after treasured memories. along to our weekly kick about (50) had tried a few games playing with the Don’s FFIT Jim said: “It’s been life changing for that are going to do the next different ways to team, he had got his passion back for playing 74% me, it has changed my mind-set FFIT programme and I’ve friends RETENTION lose weight and get healthier, on and off, in between the sticks. Jim decided this was for on how I look at exercise, the way that are fans of other teams that the past but had never stuck to it. him and signed up to the FFIT programme. This I eat and day-to-day life. have went along to their club TOTAL was an anchor in Jim’s journey to help him lose His son James grew concerned about his dad’s WEIGHT weight, eat smarter and ultimately play in the “The programme was a lot more to programme or encouraged them health while they were on holiday in Benidorm LOSS 2411.3KG FFIT tournament. It was a fork in the road to me than just football and exercise, to start one.” when Jim was struggling to breathe in the heat. success, in more ways than one. the comradery in our group was He thought it was time for Jim to do top class. It was competitive at Jim took part in the twelve-week programme, AVERAGE something about his weight, which had crept times but it brought us closer shedding weight as he went, and with one WEIGHT up to twenty-seven and a half stone, before it together and made us stronger as eye on the FFIT tournament in Stirling, he was LOSS 4.9KG was too late. a group and as individuals. determined to complete the challenge. The This was a wake-up call for Jim, but he wasn’t Dons side had gone close in the past but, had “The coaching and advice on the sure what to do. not managed to lift the silverware. This time course were excellent. They kept it TOTAL would be different with none other than Jim focused and fun.” WAIST He researched different options but it was Blagden at the heart of things. LOSS 3525.2CM a friend and fellow Aberdeen fan, Brian Jim has continued to attend Cameron, who encouraged him to take part in Jim kept seven clean sheets in the FFIT weekly kick abouts with the a Football Fans in Training group, that he was tournament, he helped the Dons to a draw Aberdeen group and it is now helping to run with AFC Community Trust. in the final against a strong Rangers side, and attracting new people along to AVERAGE then saved four penalties in the shoot-out, take part in the activities. WAIST 7.3CM 10 LOSS 11 Trusted To Support HEALTH

week to run around inside the stadium – we didn’t need to be convinced to turn up and try! “John Joyce who ran the course, with help from Harry and Gwen, was very encouraging and knowledgeable. “He makes it really very interesting and always has time for everyone. “He remembers everyone’s names and asks how they are getting on. Nothing is too much trouble for him. “People come along from all walks of life for many different reasons and it’s great to chat to them. “John understands that everyone has a life and he doesn’t lecture you if you go and have a curry at Name: Susan Ramsay the weekend, he just tells you how to make healthy Age: 54 choices most of the time. Impact: Nearly 13 kg loss “He taught us a lot about diet, exercise and mental health, in an easy to understand way. We also learned about nutrition, portion sizes and how to enjoy WOMEN’S healthy food.”

IMPACT Susan Ramsay (54) lost two stones and made friends for life at Rangers Charity Foundation’s FFIT course in February this year and 387 she now goes regularly to their follow on programme, FFIT for Life. PARTICIPANTS Susan, a keen golfer, experienced a lot of pain in her knee for several years and had started to put on weight because she was becoming A FFIT First at Hampden 74% less active. RETENTION She had a knee replacement four years ago and was determined to build up her fitness again and lose the excess weight, so when she TOTAL heard about the FFIT programme through her friend Cathy she was WEIGHT keen to get involved. LOSS 954.7KG Both lifelong Rangers fans, they didn’t need to be convinced to go to every week! AVERAGE Susan has well and truly turned her health and fitness around WEIGHT thanks to FFIT and even completed the Ibrox Stair Challenge for LAST year Sharon McBride LOSS 3.5KG the Foundation. That’s the equivalent of walking up and down the made history when she Empire State Building, in only 28 minutes in September this year. became the first woman She was also the first female player from Rangers FFIT to take part in to score at the Betfred TOTAL Cup Final. WAIST the Half Time Challenge (a fun football challenge) at the semi-final LOSS 1750.4CM game v Hearts on Sunday, November 10. To be more accurate, Susan weighed 80.4 kg in February this year, and by the end of the Sharon became the first woman to score a goal 12-week FFIT programme she was only 66.4 kg. during our Football Fans in AVERAGE Training half-time challenge WAIST She said: “Cathy and I were so excited about going to Ibrox every at the Betfred Cup Final. LOSS 6.5CM 12 13 Trusted To Support HEALTH FFIT FOR THE FUTURE – OUR RESEARCH REVEAL!

Research from University of Glasgow revealed This followed an initial study In 2014, in which that participants in our Football Fans in Training a randomised controlled trial found that men programme not only lost weight, but kept the taking part in FFIT lost almost 5% of their weight off. bodyweight 12 months after taking part in FFIT. We revealed the findings at an event at Now we know that participants continue Hampden Park, in September, attended by to hold off much of their baseline weight, the Minister for Sport & Public Health, Joe maintaining at least half of their original Fitzpatrick MSP along with a range of key weight loss. stakeholders from across sport and health The event generated coverage with BBC in Scotland. Reporting Scotland and other national Our event was hosted by broadcaster David newspapers reporting in detail on the research. Tanner and featured film, games, some powerful testimony and a presentation by Professor Cindy Gray from the University on the findings.

14 15 Trusted To Support HEALTH

65 Schools participated 3,614 Children reached annually 9,180 Hours of activity and education

I never had anything like this when I was at school so it is nice to visit the kids and see them keeping fit and active with the coaches. It is also good that JOY OF MOVING they are learning about health and wellbeing while having fun. Celtic and Rangers are involved in a Nicole Cairney unique project across Glasgow that encourages primary school aged children Celtic first Team Player to become more active. The project When the children see the continued successfully in 2018-19. players in their matches, Both clubs work with the SPFL Trust and Ferrero UK to they also can see the deliver the Joy of Moving +Sport Move and Learn project, a benefits of being healthy national school-based educational programme for children aged and I think having that between 9-10. role model means they can By combining six weeks of practical sporting sessions with classroom sessions, the programme encourages physical become more inspired. It’s activity, promotes nutritional education and builds been great seeing lots of awareness of the importance of a healthy diet and smiling faces today! active lifestyle. The SPFL Trust are proud to partner with both clubs to help primary Angela Cunningham school aged children across Glasgow find new ways to enjoy a Teacher, Milngavie Primary School healthy and active lifestyle. 17 Trusted To Support INCLUSION

Supported by:

OLDEST 36 PARTICIPANT CLUBS +16% 1040 99 4 CLUBS PARTICIPANTS OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY +38% +33%

Maria’s Story FESTIVE FRIENDS Maria Toner has attended Festive Friends “Everyone adored Peter, you couldn’t help but at Partick Thistle FC on Christmas Day for like him, he was a wonderful man.” the past two years and she enjoys it so much Maria’s had a difficult year with her health, that she’s really looking forward to returning suffering from anxiety and a recent diagnosis For some it’s the most wonderful time of this year. of Asbestosis, so she needed this happy festive the year...for others it is the opposite. The 80-year-old found out about the event event to look forward to more than ever. through Contact the Elderly because she faces With few friends or family, Christmas can be the Maria added: “I look forward to Festive Friends Christmas alone every year since her husband loneliest time. Festive Friends is a project created every year. by the SPFL Trust to engage socially isolated people Peter passed away seven years ago. “The food is always great, it’s a traditional at Christmas. They were married for 59 years and she says Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, and they had a wonderful marriage and describes The SPFL Trust works with clubs to help them put on the company is fantastic. a very special day for members of their community him as an ‘absolute angel’. “I always have a lovely time, and it makes a who have been identified as needing some community The pair met when she was just 16 and married change for me instead of crying alone, I can support and festive cheer. when she was 20. have a great laugh with everyone. Each guest receives a traditional Christmas dinner, Tragically he died due to Asbestosis when “There are some nice gentlemen who come with turkey and all the trimmings, live music for he was only 77, after years of being exposed every year who make me feel special by entertainment and some wonderful Christmas gifts. to the chemical through his job as an offering to take my coat for me when I arrive. All the Festive Friends events receive funding from the insulating engineer. “The organisers also offer free drink and SPFL and more clubs than ever took part in 2018, with Maria cared for him for the last 17 years of presents, they really can’t do enough for us. 36 clubs in total, five more than the previous year. In his life. a fantastic gesture of goodwill, four clubs opened on “I’d encourage anyone who faces Christmas She said: “He was the love of my life and I Christmas Day itself. Day alone to pop along and join us, you’ll have miss him every day, I feel even more lonely at a wonderful time!” Christmas without him.

18 19 Trusted To Support INCLUSION

David’s Story How does Festive Friends work?

IDENTIFY Clubs identify vulnerable David Fleetham (81) lives on his own in a one- “I wasn’t fussy for going to Festive Friends but or isolated groups through bedroom council bungalow in Kirkcaldy after it was his idea and I’m glad I did go. existing programmes his wife Helen died just over seven years ago. or partnerships. “I would otherwise be sat in the house, like His grandson Stephen, said: “Grandad hasn’t any other day, so it was good to get out for a done much since my gran died. lovely meal with good company. ACCESSIBILITY “She was the love of his life and not a day goes “We were well fed, entertained and looked by where he doesn’t think about her and miss after on the day. I particularly enjoyed the Transport is organised for her. shortbread gift and look forward to going participants to attend and along this year.” return home from the event. “Since losing his wife he is simply getting by, only venturing out occasionally to the shops Stephen added: “It is important to get him or the post office with his four-legged friend along to Festive Friends, getting him there was Hendrix. He mostly spends his days alone with a struggle, but once he arrived he was chatting his jigsaws and TV. away to people and having a good time. LUNCH “He is a very sociable man when he gets out “I couldn’t have been happier to see him having A full Christmas lunch is the house, but getting him out is the hardest so much fun! served for everyone. part. “Last year he befriended Jim McIntosh, a “He’s a proud man from a generation that diehard Rover fan, and they shared many a doesn’t want to be a bother to anyone, living story. in isolation.” “He thoroughly enjoyed the day, the company FUN But Stephen, who helps to organise a Festive and the entertainment. So much so, he and I Fun, games and gifts are Friends get-together at Raith Rovers, was also attended the Christmas Day lunch at the put on for all guests. determined to get his grandad out of his house Linton Lane centre in Kirkcaldy. to socialise with others and he managed to get “I’m also planning to convince him to attend his grandad to join them at Festive Friends. the ‘Grey Panther’ gatherings at the centre, Dave, who has five grandchildren, nine which is a group for men and women of a great-children and two step-daughters, said: similar age and circumstances.” LISTEN “Stephen is a pain in the a*** always trying to Staff take the time to listen get me somewhere. to guests and talk with them.

20 21

20 21 Trusted To Support INCLUSION FOOTBALL FOR ALL

We teamed up with Family Fund in 2018 for a “We know from talking with families that pilot scheme, Football for All, which provides chances to go out together, and to have a families supported by the charity with free break from caring can be very limited, often tickets to a number of league matches at SPFL due to the costs involved. clubs. “We’d like to thank all the participating clubs This helps families who might otherwise not be for providing free tickets to families, enabling able to afford to attend a football match the disabled children, young people, their siblings, chance to enjoy the experience of seeing their parents and carers to enjoy seeing their local “It’s vital that football, local team. team. the most popular sport in the world, continues Salena Begley MBE, Scotland Partnership “Families have told us that they value not only to play its part in Development Manager at Family Fund, said: the tickets, but the friendly approach of staff, promoting access and which makes all the difference. inclusion for all.” “We are delighted to be working with SPFL Trust and the eight clubs to provide the “We hope more clubs will come on board to Beverley Mayer, St Johnstone Football for All scheme to families. help improve the accessibility of football for all DANIEL’S DAY OUT in Scotland.” “Everyone needs a break from their daily routine and a chance to re-charge their Tickets to selected home league Anne-Marie Ramsay we didn’t feel the need to do that. attended a St Johnstone batteries, and this is especially true for the “We turned up an hour early on the day when games were available from: Clyde, v Aberdeen game families we support. it was still quiet and saw the team bus arriving Cowdenbeath, Dumbarton, East thanks to free tickets much to my other son Robbie’s delight. Fife, Livingston, Partick Thistle, St from our Football for Johnstone and Stenhousemuir. All scheme. “Daniel wore his ear defenders in case it was too noisy for him. She went to the game with her “He loves to get away and get a change son Daniel (10) who has autism, of scene, and he even managed to sit her husband Steven and Daniels’s still for three hours. He really enjoyed brother Robbie (7). himself. The family, who live in Alness “He still talks about it and even near Inverness, had a great remembers the date of the game! day together and Daniel loved “The staff were very friendly and getting the opportunity to go on couldn’t do enough to help us. the outing with his family. “It’s quite expensive to go to the football so Anne-Marie (47) said: “We thoroughly enjoyed without these tickets we probably wouldn’t the afternoon at the match. have gone. “Daniel had a really nice day out and loved “Myself and Robbie are big Aberdeen fans so being with all the family at this special event. when they won the game two - nil that was “The staff invited us to arrange a visit before the icing on the cake. We were delighted!” the game to get familiar with the stadium but

22 23 Trusted To Support ATTAINMENT

4-4-2 READING CHALLENGE

Working in partnership with Scottish Book In total, 13 clubs were involved in the project Trust, the SPFL Trust launched a pilot project, across over 200 libriaries. Participating clubs came the 4-4-2 Reading Challenge in 2018. from eleven of Scotland’s 32 local authorities. 20,389 200 87 4,484 The 4-4-2 Reading Challenge sought Four books for two tickets, to inspire children aged it couldn’t be simpler: Pupils Libraries Schools Books 5-12 to read four books in participated involved involved issued exchange for match tickets. • Read four books Our initiative centred • Collect four stamps on on a reading “challenge your challenge card card” which clubs and In Kirkcaldy, Raith Rovers We had over 200 children libraries issue to children • Exchange the card for a were strong supporters sign up to the reading who want to participate. FREE child’s ticket and a of the 4-4-2 Reading challenge. discounted adult ticket for Challenge. Fife Council’s We think the core benefit SPFL football matches at libraries team explain... participating clubs is the effect it has on boys. We had players along to Funding for the 4-4-2 Reading read to children and we They are motivated by the Challenge was generously arranged other football football players who are provided by the SPFL. focused events with all celebrities within their authors like Danny Scott local communities. aimed at encouraging children to take part.

24 25 Trusted To Support CAPACITY BUILDING

programmes to the wider community, increase A great example of the unique reach of awareness to these groups and show them football was working with NHS Tayside Public how the clubs are effectively delivering on Health Team who asked Dundee FC to host national and local outcomes. the Scottish Governments breastfeeding in public places logo launch at Dens stadium in “The questionnaires helped me to understand June this year. what made the clubs tick. The Minister for “All six clubs picked a Public Health, Sport different area they’d like and Wellbeing, Joe BUILDING CAPACITY to develop so that made It was a good opportunity to Fitzpatrick, attended my job a lot easier! demonstrate how effective along with the Director “However, they all clubs can be at meeting local of Public Health, Dr wanted to increase needs and encouraging them Drew Walker and the participation in their to open their doors shows managing director of Caroline Farquhar is the Network and football clubs and local organisations, raising Football Fans In Training the unique selling point Dundee Football Club, Partnership Officer for the SPFL Trust, awareness amongst the clubs of local and John Nelms. programmes. of Scottish football in the working with the Dundee and Angus national outcomes, sharing best practice, and “They wanted people to Caroline said: “From football clubs. supporting the delivery of new and existing delivery of wider outcomes. know that you do not that Dundee FCCT projects to the wider community. This includes Dundee Football Club in the need to be football fan are working with the Community Trust, Dundee United Community She started by going out to meet the to take part but because the clubs dietetic team and local schools to Trust, Montrose FC Community Trust. Brechin clubs with a questionnaire to gather more only advertise to their own fans, deliver a family intervention plan City FC, Arbroath FC and Forfar Athletic information on what projects they were if you’re not a football fan in conjunction with their child FC are in the process of forming their own currently delivering, what they’d like to deliver you don’t know it’s there.” healthy weight strategy for community trusts. in the next six months and what they had the Tayside. Caroline has links with the capacity for going forward. The Community Trusts are independent Job Centre and built on Another connection registered charities associated with the This was invaluable because it gave Caroline that existing relationship made at the Den’s launch football clubs. a better understanding of their strategic aims to share with staff the was linking new parent and helped to identify new ways to build mental and physical groups with local clubs. Both Dundee clubs and Montrose FC host positive connections that promoted their benefits of taking part in charities with staff using the unique power of Caroline explained: “We community activities. FFIT at their local football football to deliver community programmes, spoke to a local group club. while Brechin City FC, Arbroath FC and Forfar Caroline explains: “The clubs are doing an attending the event and they Athletic FC also provide SPFL Trust activities amazing job delivering community programmes This kind of partnership also helps told us they needed facilities to such as Football Fans in Training (FFIT), the and regularly share this on social media or to build long-term connections between hold breastfeeding clubs in Angus. 4-4-2 Reading Challenge, Festive Friends along match day programmes with their own fan the clubs and Job Centres across Tayside. “Football clubs are great places and are often with Walking Football and Football Memory base but they generally don’t tell anyone else Caroline added: “We’ve also been meeting underutilised during the week, so it was a good programmes. so unless you follow the club you don’t know with NHS Tayside to share with them the opportunity to demonstrate how effective what they are doing. Caroline’s role, which had funding support activities being held at clubs across the area, clubs can be at meeting local needs and from the Scottish Government and the SPFL, “My role is to identify which organisations and the health benefits that referring patients encouraging them to open their doors shows involves building long-lasting links between the could support the clubs to deliver their to their local football club can bring.” the unique selling point of Scottish football in the delivery of wider outcomes.” 26 27 Trusted To Support PROMOTION

ALL CLUB CONFERENCE

Our SPFL Trust All Our focus was on strategic National Club Conference is a Outcomes and the role we can play in fantastic opportunity delivering them to improve the lives of for clubs across the people in the communities in which our SPFL to find out more clubs are based. In doing so, clubs will be about best practice able to better explain the genuine added across the country, value they can add to society. to learn from experts Find out more Delegates were also able to participate in on Facebook! in their field from elsewhere, and to workshops led by SAMH and Show Racism celebrate our Community Project of the the Red Card. Year. SAMH highlighted their work in football, This year’s event was at Hampden Park, such as our Changing Room project, and the keynote speaker was the Cabinet Peterdeen project secures currently being piloted at Hibernian and Secretary for Health and Sport Jeanne Heart of Midlothian. Freeman MSP. SPFL Trust Community Show Racism the Red Card spoke about “Football is our national game,” Ms how they engage children at various Freeman said. “Our attendances are the Project of the Year 2019 ages in equality and diversity training, highest in Europe per capita, and football including through games such as “culture Aberdeen FC Community Trust's project The award was presented to the Dons dominates our media, and discussions shock” which allows children to question provides alternative ways to engage after a secret ballot vote of SPFL clubs. with friends and family. teenage boys in education and training stereotypes. In all, 116 young people who struggle in was the winner of our SPFL Trust The passion of football supporters is a classroom settings participated. They were Community Project of the Year 2019. powerful force. The people who attend given access to a wide range of training programmes like the ones shown today, The Peterdeen Project focuses on in subjects such as sports coaching and are often the people who most need reducing the poverty-related attainment hospitality. support. They are probably unlikely to gap, increasing school attendance, Such has been the success of the respond to traditional interventions reducing exclusions, and building resilience programme, school exclusions have however they will listen and respond to in participants. It also aims to reduce been reduced by 80%. The local council their football club. harmful behaviours such as smoking, believes it has saved £1m in costs, such as drug taking and alcohol consumption. “That’s football’s unique selling point, and those associated with young people going that’s why we are so supportive of the Participants are also able to improve soft into a residential care environment. work they do.” skills such as timekeeping, confidence, teamwork, problem solving and communication.

28 29 Trusted To Support PROMOTION

Sophie and Tyler enjoyed a very special day out as the official Betfred MEET OUR Cup Final mascots when Celtic and Aberdeen faced off against each BETFRED CUP other in the showpiece finale. Both participate in projects at their FINAL STARS! respective club’s charities, Celtic FC Foundation and AFC Community Trust.

Let’s meet them...

Where are you from? MEET East Kilbride What project do you participate in? TYLER (11) I go to Celtic FC Foundation’s Ability Counts Autism project every week at Tollcross. We do soft play, games, dancing and football. I love it! What’s the first football game you remember Where are you from? What are the coaches like? going to? Torry, Aberdeen. They are fun and allow us to have a good time playing football. Henrik’s Heroes vs. Lubo’s Legends at . Do you play football with a team or project? It was epic! What do you think the score will be today/ I attend the Aberdeen FC Community Trust who will score? Who is your favourite player? Breakfast Club and particiate in Better Playground Play and Torry United programmes. 2-1 Aberdeen with Shinnie and Mackay-Steven the scorers. What is your favourite footballing memory? What’s the first football game you remember going to? When I joined my primary school’s football team and played football with my friends. I was 7 years old and was with my dad. It was Aberdeen at Pittodrie against Motherwell. What are the coaches like? Who is your favourite player? Goofy, playful, funny, kind, cool, caring, helpful and awesome. Graeme Shinnie. MEET What do you think the score will be today/ What is your favourite footballing memory? who will score? Playing with my friends in the park and SOPHIE (12) I think Celtic will score five and Aberdeen will working hard against 3 defenders. score two. I think Callum McGregor will score because he came to visit us at Ability Counts and he was amazing!

30 31 Trusted To Support PROMOTION

LOMOND IN LONDON Introducing Lomond the Lion

Favourite food: Favourite band: Hello! My name is Lomond and I am the We had such fun visiting Buckingham Palace, newest member of the SPFL Trust team. Downing Street, London Eye, Trafalgar Square Salad Runrig and Piccadilly Circus, amongst other places. My very first trip was especially exciting as I went to London to appear on BBC One’s The I’m looking forward to lots more visits, so Choice dance move: Interesting fact: One Show with Matt Baker, Alex Jones and hopefully I’ll see you very soon! The Running Man Lomond is a vegetarian Bonnie Tyler! Roar! I got to take part in the BBC’s Supermovers Fab football skill: Preferred loch: Mascot Mashup, which is all part of a campaign Scoring goals Loch Lochy to encourage the use of physical activity to help teach literacy and numeracy. Lomond xx Happy hobby: Top transport: Running (and reading) Train (Lomond went to Favourite colour: London by train) Teal

32 33 Trusted To Support PROMOTION SURE FIRE WINNER!

New partnership with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service revealed

We’re always looking to build new the community, such as supporting vulnerable community-focused partnerships and so and disadvantaged members of society – join it was great to agree a memorandum of together in this way,” he said. understanding with the Scottish Fire and Frank was joined by Assistant Chief Officer of Rescue Service (SFRS). the SFRS, Ross Haggart, who is the Director of Former SPFL defender and current Stranraer FC Prevention & Protection. first team coach Frank McKeown was on the He said: “We are very proud to officially scene at Hampden Park. mark the signing of this Memorandum of But there was no football kit this time as Understanding between the Scottish Fire and Frank donned his firefighter’s uniform. He’s a Rescue Service and the SPFL Trust. Crew Manager at Easterhouse Fire Station in “Through working with the SPFL Trust, we Glasgow. can utilise the power of football to support We’ve agreed with the SFRS to share people, young and old, across Scotland’s knowledge in seven areas: processes and communities.” protocols, learning and development, training, safety, safeguarding protected groups, health initiatives and equality. “It’s fantastic to see the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and SPFL Trust – two organisations who do such important work in

34 35 Trusted To Support PROMOTION

FUNDRAISING GOING GLOBAL

It’s a great privilege that our team are invited The SPFL Trust is also an active member We’ve been out and about over the last year as we continue to build to engage about the work of the SPFL Trust of the European Football Development momentum around community and corporate related fundraising. on the international stage. Network (EFDN). In particular, our chief executive Nicky Reid is Of course, our Football Fans in Training often invited to speak at events across Europe, programme is used in multiple countries and beyond, because we are recognised as across the continent, too! Kilt Walk one of the most community engaged, small to medium sized, leagues in the world. London Oslo 2018 was the first time we undertook the Edinburgh Kilt Brussels Walk to raise funds for Mental Geneva Health in football. Linzi Our team was formed of Nicky Reid, Derek Allison, Fiona Taylor, Iain Roberts and Kathleen McLoughlin. Nearly £2,000 Golf Day 2019 was raised! Our third annual SPFL Trust Golf DID YOU KNOW? Day, in partnership with the Chris Mitchell Foundation took place at We are proud members of the EFDN. The Carrick, by Loch Lomond. A network of 75 organisations, these consist Social success! of professional football clubs, leagues and FAs We continued to grow our Over £10,000 was raised to who are committed to their communities and audiences across Facebook support mental health training social responsibilities and have the passion to and Twitter in 2018/19 in football. cooperate and engage on a European level. The network aims to promote the power of followers We were also joined by a stellar line football as a tool for social development and 1,209 up of former football stars including support the efforts of the network members in and Bobby Petta. their initiatives to use football to reach out to various target groups in their communities. +15.7% We’ve been able to share a platform with organisations such as the Fundació Barça (Barça Foundation), Chelsea FC Foundation, and the 3,858 followers English . In doing so, we’ve We’d like to extend our thanks to everyone who took a team at our golf day: Thorn- demonstrated the track record that Scottish tons Law, Ladbrokes, Thrifty, SPFL, Scottish FA, BT Sport, Impact Signs, Montrose FC, football has to support communities in need. +13.7% Topps, Bluefin, PFA England, and Sodexo. 36 37 Trusted To Support LOOKING FORWARD WITH OUR CEO, NICKY REID

It’s fair to say that the end of 2019 marks a Indeed, we expect to see an increase in our Financial year ending Financial year ending very special milestone for the SPFL Trust, our international activities as Scotland continues to tenth birthday on 4 December. be recognised as one of the most community 31st May 19 31st May 18 engaged leagues in the world! In recognition of this, we are putting in place a range of activities and events to celebrate our Back home (where the heart is) we will engage INCOME INCOME work throughout the 12 months that follow. with the Scottish Government to continue to We’ll also be taking the opportunity to thank support the delivery of Scotland’s National our partners for their invaluable support. Performance Framework. On a local level we £606,857 £486,638 are committed to building strong relationships Elsewhere, we are halfway through our current at local authority level. strategy period and will take some time next EXPENDITURE EXPENDITURE year to review that. We want to ensure the We are committed to creating and developing work we are doing meets current need, is robust and meaningful partnerships across relevant, effective and complimentary to other Scotland to ensure we truly harness the £539,150 £480,417 services provided across Scotland. unique power of professional football to improve lives. As part of that, we will look to appoint a new trustee with particular experience at But we can’t do any of this without the local authority level. We will also strengthen support of the SPFL, member clubs and our working relationship with the Scottish their associated charities or community OUR PARTNERS Professional Football League. departments. We will continue to provide steadfast support enabling them to build In terms of projects, we look forward to the capacity, to support those who need help. introduction of our 4-4-2 Reading Challenge for Gaelic speakers. We will also launch our We will also work hard to ensure that football A-Team initiative which will make mobile remains part of the conversation, at national sensory equipment available at participating and local level, because we believe few are clubs, allowing for a fully inclusive match day better placed to support the delivery of the experience for young people with autism. Scottish Government’s National Outcomes. We will widen our offering in terms of mental In doing so, we will be able to further health, as well as continue to develop Festive demonstrate that football really is a force for Friends and Football for All. good and that professional football – and the SPFL Trust - can be trusted to deliver! Really excitingly, our Football Fans in Training (FFIT) programme is set for expansion internationally. 38 39 spfltrust.org.uk

Scottish Professional Football League Trust Hampden Park, Glasgow, G42 9DE 0141 620 4162 [email protected]

Register Charity No. SC041121