The Scottish Football Partnership Trust’s Club Development Grant, delivered in partnership with the Kilpatrick Fraser Charitable Trust, is designed to give grassroots clubs across Scotland the financial support they need to upgrade and improve facilities, purchase new equipment, run more sessions and train coaches and staff.
As part of our commitment to making grassroots Scottish football a more inclusive environment where players of all backgrounds feel welcome, we’re always happy to hear how our Club Development Grants are being used to accelerate the growth of the women’s and girls’ game, and particularly in remote areas where access to quality football opportunities can be more difficult.
In 2024, a Club Development Grant was awarded to Orkney Women’s Football Club, a women’s and girls’ football club that offers both junior and senior footballing sessions. With financial support from the Club Development Grant, Orkney Women’s Football Club was able to offer players strength and conditioning classes and tailored programmes over the winter months.
Given the harsh winters in the north of Scotland, football activity is limited during the off-season, and players can find themselves losing fitness and motivation. By offering these classes, Orkney Women’s Football Club was able to keep players fit, engaged and ready to go for the new season.
Participants reported feeling fitter and stronger after these sessions. The club hopes that they will help reduce the instances of injury in the new season and help players build endurance and robustness.
Additionally, these classes helped strengthen the club’s sense of community and togetherness, with one participant reporting:
“I love the classes; they are fun while also working hard and having a good time with my teammates”.
We’re always delighted to hear how our Club Development Grants are supporting grassroots Scottish clubs and how our financial investments are further accelerating the growth of the women’s and girls’ game in Scotland.
“The success of this initiative has laid a strong foundation for future programmes. With ongoing support, we hope to continue offering strength and conditioning year-round and integrate these into our regular training curriculum.
“In summary, the Scottish Football Partnership Trust Club Development Grant has not only improved the physical fitness and confidence of our players but has also strengthened the overall development for women and girls’ within our club.”
Orkney Women’s Football Club
