The SPFL has launched a new £50,000 fund aimed at helping clubs improve the matchday experience for young supporters and encourage more positive fan behaviour across Scottish football.
Unveiled at the SPFL Trust’s annual conference in Glasgow, the pilot scheme will allow clubs and their associated charitable trusts to apply for individual grants of up to £5,000 to support projects that engage younger fans, particularly those aged 16 to 24.
The fund, titled Innovation Fund: Fan Engagement, is designed to build on recent local successes where clubs have created dedicated spaces and programmes to make matchdays more inclusive and enjoyable for younger supporters.
One example cited is Peterhead FC’s “Rec” stand, a converted shipping container at Balmoor Stadium which provides a safe standing space for younger fans and has become a hub of energy and atmosphere.
Alloa Athletic FC, in partnership with The Wasps Community Club, has also received praise for its youth engagement work.
The club introduced a membership scheme giving young fans access to the new Hive Community Centre and local business discounts, with the ability to withdraw privileges in response to poor matchday behaviour, a move that’s already seen conduct improve.
SPFL Trust chief executive Nicky Reid said the new fund would help clubs build on these successes.
“We’re really proud to announce this new fund, which we believe can both improve the matchday for fans as well as help address challenges around fan behaviour at games,” she said.
“This funding will help build on the success of other great projects, such as the ‘Rec’ stand created for Peterhead fans and the great work being done between Alloa Athletic and the Wasps Community Club for the club’s next generation of fans.”
SPFL chief operating officer Calum Beattie added:
“We’re extremely proud to have the highest per capita attendances in Europe and our young passionate fans are a huge part of that.
“The projects at Alloa and Peterhead are two excellent initiatives.
“We wanted to create a fund to build on their success and allow other clubs to explore similar ideas to improve the fan experience and also address any potential antisocial behaviour.”
To be eligible, clubs must work directly with their associated charitable trusts on proposed projects.
The launch of the fund comes as the SPFL Trust revealed a new five-year strategy to support 50 per cent more people across Scotland.
The plan includes working more closely with young people and, for the first time, extending its work to football-linked trusts beyond the SPFL and SWPL.
