The Scottish Football Partnership Trust (SFPT) was delighted to support the McDonald’s Fun Football programme, delivered in partnership with the Scottish FA, helping to introduce more children across Scotland to the game in a fun, welcoming and accessible way.
Delivered at centres across the country, the programme provides free football coaching and activity sessions for children aged 5–11, giving young players the opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence and make friends in a safe and inclusive environment.
National Reach and Impact
Over the course of the programme, sessions were delivered across 51 centres nationwide, engaging thousands of young participants:
- Central – 9 centres | 3,343 participants
- East – 10 centres | 3,900 participants
- North – 11 centres | 4,700 participants
- South East – 6 centres | 3,030 participants
- South West – 8 centres | 3,700 participants
- West – 7 centres | 4,550 participants
In total, the programme engaged:
- 16,985 boys
- 6,138 girls
- Over 23,000 children overall
These figures highlight both the scale of delivery and the strong appetite for accessible grassroots football opportunities across Scotland.
Breaking Down Barriers to Participation
A key strength of McDonald’s Fun Football is its accessibility. By offering sessions free of charge and hosting them in local communities, the programme removes financial and logistical barriers that can prevent children from taking part in organised sport.
Encouraging female participation also remains a significant focus, with more than 6,000 girls taking part nationwide, demonstrating continued progress in widening access and creating inclusive environments for young players.
Supporting the Foundations of the Game
The Trust’s support of the programme reflects our wider commitment to strengthening grassroots football and increasing opportunities for young people to engage with the sport at an early age.
Positive first experiences are critical in building long-term participation. Initiatives like McDonald’s Fun Football not only develop fundamental skills, but also foster confidence, teamwork and a lifelong connection to the game.
We are proud to have supported this programme alongside the Scottish FA and partners, helping to ensure that thousands of children across Scotland have the opportunity to enjoy football in a fun, safe and welcoming setting.
To learn more about the work we do, reach out and let’s talk.
