ANNUAL REVIEW 2018 - Scottish FA
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2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
Scottish FA,
Hampden Park,
Glasgow, G42 9AY.
0141 616 6000
SCOTTISH FA ONLINE:
Email:
info@scottishfa.co.uk 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
CONTENTS
Website:
www.scottishfa.co.uk
Twitter:
@ScottishFA
04 Scottish FA In Numbers IMPROVING FOOTBALL’S
06 President’s Report FINANCES
42 Financial Report
OFFICE BEARERS: PERFORMANCE
44 Commercial Activities
President 10 JD Performance Schools
46 Marketing And Communications
Alan McRae 11 Project Brave
48 Digital Engagement
Vice-President 12 Pride Lab, Elite Coach
49 Insight
Rod Petrie Development, Pro Licence
50 Scotland Supporters Club
Chief Executive 13 Oriam
Ian Maxwell 14 National Youth Teams LEADING THE GAME
as of 21 May 2018 16 Women’s National Team 54 Leading the Game
18 Men’s National Team 56 Referee Operations
20 Futsal 58 Compliance Review
21 Scottish Cup 60 Equality & Diversity
61 Children’s Wellbeing
STRONG QUALITY GROWTH
62 Hampden Park Limited
24 Football for Life
63 UEFA EURO 2020
26 Cashback for Communities
Designed and published 64 Scottish Football Museum
27 Tesco Bank
on behalf of the 65 Hampden Sports Clinic
Scottish FA by Ignition 28 Desire to Play
Sports Media. www. 66 Convention
29 McDonald’s Grassroots Awards
ignitionsportsmedia.com 67 Attendance Register
The Scottish Football Association
30 Coach Education
Limited is a private company
32 Big Lottery Fund
limited by guarantee, registered
in Scotland, with its registered 34 Club Development
office at Hampden Park, Glasgow
G42 9AY and company number 36 Para-Football
SC005453.
38 The Girl’s and Women’s Game
3
SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
SCOTTISH FA
RECEIVED FROM BIG LOTTERY FUND TO DEVELOP
COMMUNITY CLUBS INCREASE IN FEMALES GAINING
COACHING CERTIFICATES
PRO CONTRACTS FOR
PERFORMANCE SCHOOL
GRADUATES
TRAINING SESSIONS AT ORIAM
QUALITY MARK CLUBS
REGISTERED FEMALE PLAYERS
MILLION DISTRIBUTED TO
CLUBS IN WILLIAM HILL
FREE KICKS SCORED BY LEIGH SCOTTISH CUP SOCCER CENTRES FOR GIRLS
GRIFFITHS VS ENGLAND
INCREASE IN COACH EDUCATION
COURSE ATTENDANCE ATTENDED WILLIAM HILL SCOTTISH CUP GAMES IN THE 16-17 SEASON
WOMEN COMPLETED
REGISTERED PLAYERS THE C LICENCE
4
SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
SCOTLAND’S
NUMBER
CHILDREN IN 2,200 PRIMARY SCHOOLS ENGAGED
WITH TESCO BANK FOOTBALL CHALLENGE ONE SPORT
FOLLOWED BY
OF ADULTS IN THE
COUNTRY
ATTENDED OUR DEAF
FOOTBALL FESTIVALS ADULT MALES PARTICIPATE
IN REVENUE OF ALL YOUTH AGED
SIXTEEN OR UNDER
ISSUES REFERRED TO
CURRENTLY PLAY
COMPLIANCE OFFICER
OVER
SCOTLAND SUPPORTERS
CLUB MEMBERS
TV VIEWERS FOR THE TWO
GAMES VERSUS ENGLAND
YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVED IN CASHBACK FOR
COMMUNITIES PROGRAMMES
ATTENDED SCOTLAND MATCHES AT HAMPDEN CRAIG THOMSON STEPPED
IN THE LAST CAMPAIGN DOWN AFTER 15 YEARS OF
INTERNATIONAL REFEREEING
FIRST
PARA-FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATION
IN THE WORLD
YEAR ON YEAR GROWTH IN
TURNOVER
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA CAPS FOR GEMMA FAY
5
SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
PRESIDENT’S
REPORT
T
his report will look There have been many model for our players and staff.
back on our work in highlights across what has We are thrilled that she is with us
2017. Financially, it been another eventful 12 and driving the women’s game
was a good year for months. I was immensely forward in Scotland.
the Scottish FA. £38.5 million in proud to have witnessed the
revenue was generated across Moving to the men’s national
development of the women’s
the Group, a 7.5% increase year game in this country over the side, while the nation’s
on year, driven by our portfolio last decade which culminated collective disappointment at
of commercial and funding in our qualification, under Anna not qualifying for the play-offs
partners, our broadcasting deals Signuel’s guidance, to the UEFA for the 2018 FIFA World Cup is,
and a strong competitive match Women’s EURO 2017. Every and was, understandable, it was
schedule including a home player, like Caroline Weir who nevertheless a mark of Gordon
game against England in June at features on the front cover of Strachan’s capabilities – and the
Hampden. this report, wore the Scotland squad’s belief in the coaching
shirt with pride and are now team – that we recovered from
I would like to place on record, a poor first half of the campaign
inspiring the next generation of
my appreciation to everyone to get back into contention for a
young female footballers in this
who invests in and supports play-off place.
country.
Scottish football. That
investment takes many forms. We bid farewell to Anna after Notwithstanding our unbeaten
Time, energy, commitment the tournament as she moved run in the group throughout
and passion. Ticketing revenue, on to a new challenge and 2017, with the emergence of a
commercial fees and funding welcomed back Shelley Kerr to younger generation of players
We welcomed back
grants. It all adds up and fuels the Scottish FA who will now Shelley Kerr to the
it was, however, agreed that
the work that we do from the lead our women’s national side. Scottish FA who a new national coach should
grassroots to our international Shelley is an impressive coach,
will now lead our be recruited to provide fresh
women’s national
squads. inspired leader and powerful role side impetus and a new direction as
we prepare for the UEFA EURO
2020 qualifying campaign and
also the forthcoming UEFA
Nations League. We are grateful
to Gordon and his staff for the
passion, professionalism and
commitment demonstrated
since his appointment in January
2013.
Hampden Park will play host
to three Group Stage matches
and a Round of 16 game for the
UEFA EURO 2020. Our planning
and stadium development work
is rapidly gaining pace as we
get ready for the tournament.
We are determined to not only
be terrific hosts but also to be
there to compete. We pass our
new Head Coach, Alex McLeish,
his backroom team and the
players our best wishes and
support as they get ready for
the competitive matches later
in 2018.
Our future beyond 2020 is
also in our minds. Hampden or
6
SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
Murrayfield? A simple question
but a hugely complex decision
which the association is facing
into the pending expiry of
the existing lease for the use
of Hampden Park, in 2020. A
huge amount of work has been
undertaken to consider the
options open to us and review
the the social, economic and
emotional impact of any final
decision.
We are now nearing the
completion of our work and are
moving towards a decision that
will provide clarity and will be
crucial to determining our path “We pass our new Head Coach, Alex McLeish, his backroom team and the
for the future. players our best wishes and support as they get ready for the competitive
Last year I was also delighted to matches later in 2018.”
welcome Kelty Hearts into the
Scottish FA as they became our
Her advice and fresh ideas will Scotland manager Following the turn of the year,
89th member club. I visited New Alex McLeish is
Central Park to present their challenge and shape our plans pictured with our Chief Executive, Stewart
certificate and meet some of and policies going forward. assistant coaches Regan, resigned from his post,
James McFadden
the people at the club and it was and Peter Grant, almost eight years after he
Ana will also chair our Equality
great to learn more about their and goalkeeping took up the position. During his
& Advisory Diversity Board. coach Stevie
journey and their ambitions for tenure he helped drive a range of
Formed in 2017, bringing Woods (L-R)
the future. Attaining a Scottish changes, including streamlining
together a range of excellent
FA licence now provides them the Scottish FA committee
members, the group’s role is
with automatic entry into the system, introducing a more
to advise the Scottish FA on
Scottish Cup and the pyramid equality issues and ensure that transparent and independent
system. They are one of many we help ensure that football disciplinary process and
clubs in the country who are in Scotland is open to all. We delivering a new performance
striving to improve and we are want to make the game more strategy. Stewart worked
proud of our club development inclusive and to do that we are tirelessly for the organisation,
work which supports growth at aiming to secure the Advanced alongside Andrew McKinlay, our
every level of the game. Level Equality Standard for Sport. Alan McRae Chief Operating Officer, who
This is an important target for us
welcome Kelty also departed and I would like to
Our work to ensure that football Hearts as a Scottish
place on record my thanks and
to reach. FA Member Club
is a safe sport for everyone appreciation to both of them for
involved also remains at the top their commitment to Scottish
of our agenda. The independent football.
review into historical child abuse
will be published in the coming Ian Maxwell has now taken the
weeks. Recommendations will reins from 21 May as our new
flow from that report and we Chief Executive. I look forward to
will reiterate our commitment working closely with him as we
to reassuring young players and take on the challenges facing our
parents that Scottish football is game. I am sure you will join me
a safe environment in which to in wishing him every success in
play. the months and years ahead.
Looking ahead, the Scottish As an association, as a group of
FA faces a range of challenges clubs and as individuals involved
as the sports, broadcasting in Scottish football, our mission
and digital landscapes evolve. remains simple – to inspire a
We need to be ready for those nation to love football. Thank
changes and with that in you to all our member clubs,
mind, Ana Stewart, with her commercial partners, staff,
background in marketing, retail stakeholders and volunteers
and technology, was appointed for your ongoing support in the
as an independent non- quest to do that.
executive director, taking the
lace of Barrie Jackson, whom we ALAN McRAE
thank for his input and service. PRESIDENT, SCOTTISH FA
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SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW 8
SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
9
SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
JD PERFORMANCE
SCHOOLS
The Performance School an A before coming off the
In partnership with the Scottish FA, the programme was given a huge bench and playing against Celtic.
seven Performance Schools have delivered boost in August when JD
The Performance Schools also
an extensive, challenging programme became the title sponsor for the
pride themselves on having the
for the country’s most talented young programme on the day of the
best coaches in place at their
footballers for the last six years. 2017 induction.
schools, guiding the players to
The programme is for boys and girls and The sponsorship deal represents reach their potential.
runs from S1 to S4. great value for the Scottish
Brian McLaughlin was an
FA Performance School
The Scottish FA employs seven full-time excellent coach at Holyrood
programme and the association Secondary School and his hard
Performance Youth Coaches who have
responsibility for the delivery of the were delighted to welcome an work was rewarded by being
programmes in each school. industry leader such as JD on named the Scotland Under-17s
board. head coach.
The seven partner schools are as follows:
The programme is already He was replaced by Joe McBride
HAZLEHEAD ACADEMY – ABERDEEN bearing fruit for clubs across who brought a wealth of
ST JOHN’S HIGH SCHOOL – DUNDEE Britain with 46 professional experience having worked at
GRAEME HIGH SCHOOL – FALKIRK contracts signed by Performance Celtic, Ujpest, Watford and
School players in 2017. Cardiff City where he worked
BRAIDHURST HIGH SCHOOL –
MOTHERWELL The programme has shown with Malky Mackay, the Scottish
that it enhances their abilities FA’s Performance Director.
BROUGHTON HIGH SCHOOL – EDINBURGH
in the classrooms, proved by Heart of Midlothian’s Harry
HOLYROOD SECONDARY SCHOOL –
the statistic that Performance Cochrane was a success story
GLASGOW
School players achieved 15% from the programme in 2017
GRANGE ACADEMY – KILMARNOCK better results at their National 5s and present at the most recent
than regular pupils. Performance School induction.
At a national level the players He attended Grange Academy
have succeeded with the for three years, travelling from
Performance Schools having East Kilbride to Kilmarnock every
representation at Scotland Under- day, juggling his schoolwork and
15s, Under-16s and Under-17s football at Hearts.
level as well as women’s Under-
Throughout his time at Grange
16s and Under-17s.
Academy, Harry always showed
A number of graduates are now a growth mindset towards
starting to develop and progress his academic studies and his
into their club’s respective first football where he continually
teams. wanted to learn, showed great
effort and was resilient.
Harry Cochrane, Anthony
McDonald, Dean Campbell, At 16 he scored his first goal
Ethan Erahon, Logan Chalmers for Hearts against Celtic in a
and Scott Reekie made the step 4-1 victory and he has been a
up and shone at the top level. mainstay in the squad ever since.
Dean made history, becoming
the first Performance School
player to make a competitive
appearance in the Ladbrokes
Premiership. Scottish FA Performance Director Malky
Mackay, Performance School graduate Harry
Cochrane, and Stephen McManus with
He sat his National 5 English the latest players to join the Scottish FA
exam in the morning, achieving Performance School scheme.
10SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
PROJECT BRAVE
Following his appointment as Scottish Applicant clubs were graded assist clubs and encourage them to hit
FA Performance Director, 2017 was according to a criteria-based system the highest possible standards.
the year that saw Malky Mackay really and an assessment of Measurable
“What I would like to stress is that the
drive Project Brave and a number of Performance Outcomes.
bandings are not fixed and they will be
initiatives forward.
The aim was to bring greater focus reassessed in June 2018.
A key part of this was his desire to to talent development and optimise
“No door is closed to clubs outside of
get out and about to speak to clubs playing opportunities.
the Elite bracket with aspirations to
at various levels within the Scottish
Those not selected for the ‘Elite’ top move up.
game. Malky strived to ensure their
tier will still have access to a level of
understanding of the goals of Project “As a result of the conversations we
funding from the Scottish Football
Brave, in that they are mutually had with clubs, a new middle tier was
Association to support the running
beneficial as we endeavour to improve created.
and improvement of their academies.
the standard of young Scottish players,
but that it has to be a collaborative Following the judgement of the Club “The ‘Progressive’ category was
effort between all of those with the Academy Scotland assessment panel, designed to ensure ‘smaller’ but
Scottish game at heart. the clubs were grouped in three levels. ambitious clubs with academies could
find their natural place in the system,
The object is to harness the success of ELITE LEVEL with scope to push on.
the strategic plan and ensure a more Aberdeen, Celtic, Hamilton
efficient pathway to first-team football. Academical, Heart of Midlothian, “For those in the top tier, we will
Hibernian, Kilmarnock, Motherwell, continue to monitor their work in
Proposals included: conjunction with our independent
Rangers
auditors.
• A reduction from 29 funded
PERFORMANCE
academies to a maximum of 16, “This is only one more step but we
(PROGRESSIVE) LEVEL
selected via an independently believe it’s a crucial one.”
Ayr United, Dundee United, Greenock
audited criteria-based system.
Morton, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Mackay and his Performance staff have
• Streamlining of the number of Partick Thistle, Ross County, been hard at work to enhance all that
players in the academy system St Johnstone, St Mirren was already on offer to member clubs,
from around 2500 to 1200. with the launch of the Pride Lab and
PERFORMANCE LEVEL
Dundee, Fife Elite Football Academy, Elite Coaching programmes evidence
• Enhanced funding for achieving
Queen’s Park of that.
Measurable Performance
Outcomes to encourage best Both are detailed in greater depth
Mackay said: “This is a significant
practice. elsewhere in the Annual Review but
milestone for Project Brave.
the benefits, in short, are two-fold.
• Alignment of youth-age matches
“Club Academy Scotland is a
to a summer season will promote Coaches – in various roles throughout
fundamental part of the process and
attractive football. the club structure - looking to broaden
a lot of work has gone into developing
the criteria used to assess the clubs. their horizons and develop have been
• The return of reserve-team
encouraged to generate debate and
football is designed to expose
“From day one this has been a challenge themselves so that sessions
young players to more intense
collaborative activity. become less of a lecture and more of a
competition at the key age of
conversation.
development. “The clubs have been engaged at
every step, with daily dialogue to help The Scottish FA, in turn, has ensured
• Innovation, such as the potential
with their applications. their access to high calibre speakers
introduction of colt teams.
from across the globe.
“We have been heartened
Back in January, Mackay led a four-
and inspired by so many With a host of events planned for
day consultation with Club Academy
of the positive things we 2018, that commitment
Scotland members to talk through
have seen to an all-round
the plans and listen to feedback –
in regards improvement across
highlighting that this can’t be a one-
to the youth development
way conversation.
development in this country
The biggest development followed of young remains and
with the confirmation of club placings Scottish will go from
within the new academy structure, footballers strength to
which was delayed due to the and our strength.
unexpected closure of Forth Valley. aim is to
Celtic captain Sam Wardrop celebrates
with the Scottish FA Youth Cup
11SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
ELITE COACHING
PROGRAMME
Another Project Brave initiative, Malky Mackay said: “It’s our
the Elite Coaching Programme duty to help the clubs with the
Scot Gemmill and Malky Mackay masterclass series, aims to ongoing mentoring process.
connect some of the country’s Clubs are on a results-oriented
PRIDE LAB
best up and coming touchline hamster wheel every seven days
talents with high-calibre guest and as a result they don’t have
speakers. time to review their coaching
plans. They need help with that.
The masterclasses – which
As part of Project Brave, the launch of
are intended to spark debate, “Through Club Academy
the ‘Pride Lab’ aims to accelerate the
discussion and generally raise Scotland I’ve been in contact with
development of Scotland’s best up and
standards – kicked off in June the clubs, who have asked me to
coming coaches.
2017 with an emphasis on come in and mentor their young
Designed by Scottish FA Performance defending. coaches.
Director Malky Mackay – as well as national
Delegates were treated to “Our first two-day course was
youth team coaches Brian McLaughlin and
tutorials from renowned coach a success, with three top class
Scot Gemmill – the Pride Lab programme
educator Dick Bate, defensive guest speakers educating on
will see the respective Heads of Children’s,
coach Fabrizio Piccareta and the Art of Defending. For the 80
Goalkeepers and Youth from clubs up and
Burnley boss Sean Dyche. coaches in attendance it will be
down the country invited to a series of
extremely beneficial in the long
sessions designed to stimulate debate and Some 80 coaches from
run.”
discussion. throughout Scotland attended
the two-day session at Oriam.
Mentorship is at the heart of the scheme,
with a range of experiences and masterclass
opportunities to follow throughout the year.
With a substantial investment from
the Scottish FA offering proof of their
commitment to raising the bar in the field of
PRO LICENCE
Coach Education, Mackay explain the thinking The Scottish FA’s Pro Licence programme continues to go
behind the launch day and the events that will from strength to strength, with the latest batch of candidates
follow. beginning their journey towards UEFA’s highest qualification in
“Through Project Brave and Club Academy January 2017.
Scotland, clubs have been asked to hire The UEFA Pro Licence diploma operates on a two-year cycle and
certain staff – a Head of Children’s, Head of runs over an 18-month period, covering all aspects of football
Youth, Head of Goalkeeping and Head of coaching and management.
Academy.
The Scottish FA have run the course since 1999, with previous
“Within the Scottish FA, we’ve decided that graduates going on to coach at international level, in the
we need to help mentor our younger coaches Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
and this was the start of the Pride Lab year.
This year’s participants include former Portuguese international
“Together we’ll share ideas, talk about the Costinha, who won both the UEFA Champions League and
issues within our respective roles and the UEFA Cup with Porto during a playing career that saw him pick
challenges that lie ahead. up 53 caps for Portugal.
“Together we can find a better way for them The first round of guest speakers included Scottish Rugby’s
to not only mentor their other coaches but record points and caps holder Chris Paterson and former
also their players - so that in 10 years, when England manager Roy Hodgson.
those young players become professional
players, they can grow into Scotland players. In the months that followed they were joined by the likes of
David Moyes and Walter Smith in a display of the Scottish FA’s
“We were lucky enough to be joined by Alex commitment to attracting the best quality lecturers.
McLeish and he was right in what he said to
the coaches who were present. Director of Football Development, Jim Fleeting, said: “This year
we have lots of up and coming, talented coaches enrolled.
“The responsibility they have on their
shoulders is huge, because they have the “This course will undoubtedly set them on their way to reaching
next batch of Scotland players.” the next level.”
12SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
ORIAM
The doors to state-of-the-art Oriam within the association looking to stage supporters to get in on the act, with
opened in August 2016 but now it activity at the Riccarton base. open training sessions allowing them
really does feel like home. to get up close and personal with their
In total, the Scottish FA used the
favourites.
Designed to deliver a world-class facilities at Oriam 731 times across
training environment for elite-level 2017. There’s no hint of complacency, with
athletes and the general public alike, a determined effort to ensure that the
the Scottish FA was determined that The broad range of occupants complex continues to go from strength
Oriam would help provide Scotland’s highlights just how essential Oriam has to strength and offer as much value as
elite footballers – female and male, become to the Scottish FA. possible.
from the youth levels to the senior The Coach Education department have The opening of the Marriott Courtyard
squads – with an edge in competitive made extensive use of the facility for Hotel towards the end of the year
performance. their various courses – from the C/B/A/ offers teams the option to stay on
That hard work in the dark will Pro Licence through to the likes of campus, with the specially-designed
hopefully shine in the light over the their Futsal pilot course. top floor tailor-made for squads with
coming years, with a lot of work going Malky Mackay and his Performance larger bedroom and private dining and
on behind the scenes at the Heriot- staff really made the place their own, meeting areas as well as spare rooms
Watt University facility in Edinburgh. with the senior Scotland squad using for physiotherapy work and kit storage.
To make sure the Scottish FA gets the the facility for the first time in March Several of the youth and senior squads
most out of the partnership with other and November. have made the most of Oriam, with
key stakeholders, Nicola Fielding was That was mirrored across the age- access to the Strength & Conditioning
promoted to the post of Oriam Office groups – both female and male. suite, Medical and Rehab area for
and Events Manager – charged with warm-up and cool-down purposes, in
being the first port of call for anyone The spacious setting has also allowed addition to the Hydrotherapy suite for
recovery sessions.
With no stone left unturned by the
Scottish FA’s Performance department,
funding was secured for three high-
quality Performance Analysis cameras
to be installed in the vicinity of the
indoor pitch – one behind each goal
and one on the half-way line, allowing
analysts the ability to film any game or
session and study it in real-time.
The ‘Hampden’ pitch has been
screened to enable additional privacy –
allowing closed training sessions.
Screening has also been installed
behind the goals on the indoor pitch
to improve visibility of the goalposts,
while a scoreboard has also been
installed.
Meanwhile, an outdoor stand has been
installed between the Hampden and
synthetic pitches.
Able to accommodate around 400
spectators, the dual rake construction
has been delivered as part of a
partnership between FIFA, Oriam,
sportscotland and the Scottish FA.
Fast becoming one of the great hubs
of activity within Scottish football,
Oriam
Oriam looks set to go from strength to
strength in 2018.
13SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
NATIONAL
YOUTH TEAMS
MEN’S YOUTH TEAMS
UNDER-20s
Scot Gemmill led an Under-20s
side to compete at the Toulon
Tournament for the first time
since 1997 and made history
by becoming the first Scotland
team to beat Brazil at any age
level.
A Greg Taylor left footed strike
sealed the win and was the
crowing moment in what was a
successful tournament.
Afterwards Taylor said: “That goal
meant everything to me and gave
Scotland's Oliver McBurnie (right) me so much confidence.
closes down Estonia's Marten Kuusk
“To be the first Scotsman to
score a winner against Brazil
UNDER-21s gives me my own unique little bit
Scot Gemmill’s side began 2017 with a of history.”
0-0 draw against Estonia at the Paisley
Scotland overcame the Brazilians,
2021 Stadium in preparation for the
Czech Republic and Indonesia as
UEFA European Under-21s Championship
well as losing to England during
Qualifiers beginning.
their time in France.
Scotland began the group in sensational
They finished third in the
fashion, defeating The Netherlands 2-0 in Scot Gemmill
tournament.
what was a stunning victory. Oliver Burke and
Stephen Mallan both scored in the second
half. Scotland's (L-R) Greg Taylor, Ruben Sammut, Anthony Ralston and
Adam Frizzell celebrate at full time after their unique victory over Brazil
After the match Scot Gemmill reflected:
“We played with so much intelligence and
intensity and there was so much willingness
to do well.
“We know we’re working in the correct
manner with a bunch of players that are
willing to execute a game plan.”
A trip to Middlesbrough followed where Chris
Cadden scored for Scotland in a 3-1 defeat in
front of a 20,000 strong crowd.
Four days later goals from Oliver Burke and
Oliver McBurnie secured a 2-0 away win
against Latvia.
The year ended with a 1-1 draw against the
Latvians before losing out 2-0 to Ukraine at
McDiarmid Park.
14SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
Michael Johnston
UNDER-19s
Scotland Under-19s exited the
UEFA Euro 2017 qualification
stages at the Elite Round,
following losses to Austria,
Czech Republic and Hungary.
Celtic’s Michael Johnston
notched Scotland’s only goal
over the course of the six
days, levelling the scores with
74 minutes in the final game
against Hungary but a late
penalty secured victory for the
opposition.
Donald Park took over from Ricky
Sbragia in August and he qualified
the side for the Elite Round in
2018, defeating Luxembourg and
drawing to Armenia as well as
losing out to Czech Republic.
WOMEN’S
YOUTH
TEAMS
WOMEN’S UNDER-19s
In 2017, the women’s Under-19s
emulated the senior squad, in
that they competed in a major
championships in the summer
before welcoming a new head
coach.
The team also said farewell
to a loyal servant, as Scotland
Women’s Under-19s head coach
Gareth Evans left after four years
in charge of the team.
They began their year with a
training camp in Spain where they
played Italy, France and Germany, Women’s Under-19s “There are a lot of young part of her role involves the
preparing them for their Elite promising players who have coordination and management
Round stage. recently come through the age of the Regional Performance
ranks such as Erin Cuthbert who Academies and newly created
Two wins over Republic of Ireland Regional Performance Hubs.
impressed for the national team
and Finland secured their place at
at Euro 2017.”
the finals in Northern Ireland that She said: “The role not only
summer. They exited at the group In her first competitive matches allows me to coach but also
stages, losing out to Germany in charge, Scotland qualified for to nurture the talent coming
and Spain as well as drawing with the Elite Round, beating Armenia through. We want to develop
the hosts. 2-0, losing to Hungary and good players as well as good
drawing against Turkey. people.
After the tournament, Gareth
Evans stepped down and former WOMEN’S UNDER-17s “I am aiming to work effectively
women’s international player with the Performance team and
Pauline Hamill was appointed. 2017 also saw a new coach for continue to build on the legacy
Currently undertaking her Pro the Women’s Under-17s with from Euro 2017 to drive the
Licence, Hamill played 141 for Pauline MacDonald taking over women’s game forward.”
Scotland and used to coach the from Pauline Hamill.
MacDonald immediately looked
women’s Under-17s.
Capped 66 times for her country, to qualify for the Under-17s’ first
Upon being appointed she said: “I MacDonald becomes the third major tournament since 2013
know a lot of the players through full-time female coach working and they progressed to the elite
my previous roles with the for the women’s international round after overcoming Slovakia
association and can’t wait to help teams and works within the and Latvia before losing out to
them continue to develop. Performance Department where England in October.
15SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
WOMEN’S
NATIONAL TEAM
2017 was the most historic supporters travelled to the “As a of loyal service, the Scottish FA
year yet for Scottish women’s Netherlands to support the young girl, welcomed back a familiar face in
football as the national team national team in their first major the shape of former player and
represented the country at their tournament. In front of Patron
and being Under-19s head coach Shelley
first major championships for 19 Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland were extremely Kerr.
years, playing in the Netherlands defeated in their opening match passionate
Shelley Kerr arrived at Hampden
at UEFA Women’s EURO 2017. against England in the impressive about brimming with pride and ideas
surroundings of the Stadion Scotland,
The year kicked off with two on how to progress the national
Galgenwaard in Utrecht.
draws against eventual UEFA it was my team.
Women’s EURO 2017 finalists The injury hit Scots then lost 2-1 ambition to She said: “As a young girl, and
Denmark in a Cyprus training against Portugal in a close match represent being extremely passionate
camp along with the news that before a nail-biting final match
Anna Signeul would be leaving against Spain.
my country about Scotland, it was my
and now ambition to represent my country
her post as head coach following
Scotland were required to win and now to get the opportunity
the championships. to get the
by two goals in Deventer and at to lead the women’s national
A return trip to Cyprus followed the break they led 1-0 through opportunity team is a dream come true.
where Scotland finished fifth a Caroline Weir strike. Despite to lead the
“We have a great group of players
in the Cyprus Cup, where they great effort the team couldn’t women’s
and my goal is to continue the
defeated New Zealand, Austria find the elusive second goal national good work and sustain the level
and Wales. and although they exited the
team is of success that the team has
tournament, heads could be held
International Challenge matches
high after defeating Spain for the a dream achieved in recent years.”
on foreign soil followed, against come true.”
first time. Kerr opened her tenure with a
Belgium and Sweden along with
SHELLEY comprehensive 3-0 win over
home games against Romania Following the agonising exit,
KERR Hungary prior to World Cup
and Republic of Ireland. retiring captain Gemma Fay said:
Qualifying double-header
“You should never write off the
As UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 victories over Belarus and
Scotland badge. We could have
approached Scotland were Albania.
had more than one goal against
dealt severe injury blows when
Spain and we were inches off that The year concluded with the
Emma Mitchell, Lizzie Arnot,
one we needed. This team will women’s national team being
Jennifer Beattie and
only get better.” Lana Clelland, named as Team Scotland’s Team
talismanic Chloe Arthur, Erin of the Year at the Scottish Sports
midfielder After wishing Anna Signeul Cuthbert and
Christie Murray Awards.
Kim Little well following
celebrate victory
were all 12 years over Republic of
ruled out Ireland
through injury.
More than 3,000
Scotland
16SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
2017 RESULTS
DENMARK 2 SCOTLAND 1
SCOTLAND 2 REPUBLIC OF
SCOTLAND SCORERS: J ROSS, E IRELAND 0
CUTHBERT SCOTLAND SCORER: C MURRAY
20/01/17 | INTERNATIONAL 07/07/17 | INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE MATCH | GSZ STADIUM, MATCH | STARK’S PARK, KIRKCALDY
LARNACA
DENMARK 1 ENGLAND 6
SCOTLAND 1 SCOTLAND 0
19/07/17 | UEFA EURO 2017 | STADION
SCOTLAND SCORER: K LITTLE GALGENWAARD, UTRECHT
23/01/17 | INTERNATIONAL
CHALLENGE MATCH | TASOS MARKOS
STADIUM, PARALIMNI SCOTLAND 1
PORTUGAL 2
NEW ZEALAND 2 SCOTLAND SCORER : E CUTHBERT
SCOTLAND 3 23/07/17 | UEFA EURO 2017 | SPARTA
STADION, ROTTERDAM
SCOTLAND SCORERS: J ROSS, E
CUTHBERT, K LITTLE
01/03/17 | CYPRUS CUP | SCOTLAND 1
AMMOCHOSTOS STADIUM, LARNACA
SPAIN 0
SCOTLAND 0 SCOTLAND SCORER: C WEIR
27/07/17 | UEFA EURO 2017 | STADION
KOREA REPUBLIC 2 DE ADELAARSHORST, DEVENTER
03/03/17 | CYPRUS CUP | GSP STADIUM,
NICOSIA HUNGARY 0
AUSTRIA 1 SCOTLAND 3
SCOTLAND SCORERS: L CLELLAND, C
SCOTLAND 3 EMSLIE, J ROSS
SCOTLAND SCOTLAND SCORERS: J ROSS, L ROSS,
L EVANS
14/09/17 | INTERNATIONAL
CHALLENGE MATCH | TELKI, BUDAPEST
WOMEN’S 06/03/17 | CYPRUS CUP | GSZ
STADIUM, LARNACA BELARUS 1
NATIONAL TEAM SCOTLAND 0 SCOTLAND 2
HEAD COACH WALES 0
SCOTLAND SCORERS: OG, J ROSS
19/10/17 | FIFA WORLD CUP 2019
SHELLEY KERR (SCOTLAND WON 6-4 ON PENALTIES)
08/03/17 | CYPRUS CUP | TASOS
QUALIFIER | FC MINSK, MINSK
MARKOS STADIUM, PARALIMNI SCOTLAND 5
• Won every domestic honour
BELGIUM 5 ALBANIA 0
in Scotland during playing SCOTLAND SCORERS: OG, F BROWN, J
career
SCOTLAND 0 ROSS, C EMSLIE, L EVANS
11/04/17 | INTERNATIONAL 24/10/17 | FIFA WORLD CUP 2019
CHALLENGE MATCH | INTERNATIONAL QUALIFIER | PAISLEY 2021 STADIUM,
• Coached Arsenal, Kilmarnock, CHALLENGE MATCH | STADION OH PAISLEY
Hibernian and Spartans LEUVEN, LEUVEN
• Won 59 caps for Scotland SCOTLAND 2
between 1989 and 2008 ROMANIA 0
SCOTLAND SCORERS: L EVANS, J ROSS
• UEFA Pro Licence Holder 09/06/17 | INTERNATIONAL
CHALLENGE MATCH | FALKIRK
• Scotland Under-19s coach STADIUM, FALKIRK
between 2009 and 2013
SWEDEN 1
• Won three trophies in 18 SCOTLAND 0
months as Arsenal Ladies 13/06/17 | INTERNATIONAL
head coach CHALLENGE MATCH | INTERNATIONAL
CHALLENGE MATCH | MYRESJÖHUS
ARENA
• First female manager in
British men’s senior football
in 2014, taking over Stirling
University
Claire Emslie
17SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
MEN’S
NATIONAL TEAM
The Men’s A team embarked on
an unbeaten run in competitive
action in 2017, but their
valiant efforts saw them fall
agonisingly short in their quest
to make the play-offs for the
2018 FIFA World Cup.
Scotland entered 2017 with
the qualification campaign
hanging by a thread after away
losses to England and Slovakia
and a damaging home draw
to Lithuania. 2017 began with
Gordon Strachan’s future as
head coach in the balance. The
first match saw an uninspiring
1-1 draw with Canada in March
played in wet conditions at
Easter Road and offered little
for the Scotland supporters to
cheer, despite Steven Naismith’s
Above: Joe Hart fails a capacity crowd were treated to revenge on their hosts for the
goal. to keep out Leigh a modern-day classic. dropped points in the 0-0 draw
Griffiths’ second
The World Cup qualification free-kick. on Scottish soil earlier in the
After an evenly-matched first
campaign got back on track later campaign.
Below: Griffiths half, Scotland found themselves
that week, however, as a spirited celebrates
a goal down to a 70th minute The Lithuanians had proven to
performance at Hampden Park
strike. Leigh Griffiths then be a banana skin for Scotland in
against a Slovenia side high
stepped up to turn the game on previous meetings but Gordon
on confidence saw Scotland
its head, netting two stunning Strachan’s men ruthlessly
breathe new life into their
free kicks from near-identical dispatched their opponents
campaign.
positions on 87 and 90 minutes thanks to a first international
A late goal from substitute to send the crowd into raptures goal from Stuart Armstrong,
Chris Martin proved to be and claim his first international a stunning, curling long range
the difference between the goals. strike from new Liverpool
two sides and also saw an signing Andy Robertson and a
The Hampden roar was muted in
effervescent debut from Celtic 70th minute effort from James
the 93rd minute, however, when
midfielder Stuart Armstrong McArthur.
Harry Kane scored a late leveller
– Gordon Strachan later
to deny Scotland a famous Scotland then welcomed
proclaiming it to be one of
victory. The England captain Malta to Hampden Park three
the best debut performances
later proclaimed the atmosphere days later, where goals from
a Scotland player had ever
at the stadium to be one of the Christophe Berra and Leigh
produced.
best he had ever played in. Griffiths were enough to see off
Having narrowed the the group minnows. The result
Scotland carried their upturn
gap to the top in the meant that Scotland entered
in form into the new season,
group, Scotland next the final two matches of the
with a double header against
welcomed group campaign with their destiny
Lithuania and Malta yielding
leaders England in their own hands, barring an
maximum points. The team
to Hampden unlikely set of results in other
first travelled to Lithuania
for an end-of- qualification groups.
where they exacted
season 2018
FIFA World Cup Second-placed Slovakia next
qualifier, where visited Hampden Park requiring
only a draw to all but seal second
18SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
The International place in the group. Despite being
2017 RESULTS
Challenge Match
against the reduced to ten men in the first
Netherlands in half, Slovakia took Scotland to
November saw
Kieran Tierney the wire, however a late own
(below) became goal by captain Martin Skrtel,
one of Scotland’s
youngest ever
under pressure from Scotland
captains when he substitute Chris Martin, was
led the team out.
enough to secure the vital three
points.
Scotland’s hopes of travelling
to Russia came to an end in
Slovenia, however. Despite
leading at half time thanks to
Leigh Griffiths’ 4th goal of the
campaign, two second half goals
from the hosts turned the game
on its head and left Scotland
chasing victory. Despite an 88th
minute equaliser from Robert
Snodgrass, Scotland were
unable to find a winner, leaving
the players disconsolate at the
final whistle, having come so
close to rescuing a qualification
campaign that had seemed
doomed in its embryonic stages.
Following the conclusion of
the campaign, it was decided
that the Scotland National
Team would be led by a new
head coach in preparation for
the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying
Scotland’s players celebrate Stuart Armstrong’s goal against Lithuania
campaign, with Gordon and
Mark McGhee’s tenure ending
with immediate effect. SCOTLAND 1 SCOTLAND 1
While the recruitment CANADA 1 SLOVAKIA 0
SCOTLAND SCORER: S NAISMITH SCOTLAND SCORERS: M SKRTEL OG
process for a new
23.03.2017 | INTERNATIONAL 05.10.2017 | 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP
national team head CHALLENGE MATCH | EASTER ROAD QUALIFIER | HAMPDEN PARK
coach was under
way, Scottish FA
SCOTLAND 1 SLOVENIA 2
Performance
Director Malky
SLOVENIA 0 SCOTLAND 2
SCOTLAND SCORER: C MARTIN SCOTLAND SCOREERS: L GRIFFITHS, R
Mackay took on SNODGRASS
26.03.2017 | 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP
the role on an QUALIFIER | HAMPDEN PARK 08.10.2017 | 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP
interim basis for QUALIFIER | STADION STOZICE,
LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA
an International SCOTLAND 2
Challenge
Match
ENGLAND 2 SCOTLAND 0
against the
SCOTLAND SCORER: L GRIFFITHS 2
10.06.2017 | 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP
NETHERLANDS 1
Netherlands QUALIFIER | HAMPDEN PARK 09.11.2017 | INTERNATIONAL
CHALLENGE MATCH | PITTODRIE
in November.
The match, Scotland’s
LITHUANIA 0
last of 2017, saw senior SCOTLAND 3
international football return SCOTLAND SCORERS: S ARMSTRONG,
A ROBERTSON, J MCARTHUR
to Pittodrie after a four-year 01.09.2017 | 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP
absence. Though it ended QUALIFIER | LFF STADIONAS, VILNIUS,
in Scotland’s sole defeat of LITHUANIA
the year, thanks to a solitary
goal from Memphis Depay for SCOTLAND 2
the Dutch, it saw four Scotland MALTA 0
players make their debuts, while SCOTLAND SCORERS: C BERRA, L
GRIFFITHS
Kieran Tierney became one
04.09.2017 | 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP Matt
of Scotland’s youngest ever QUALIFIER | HAMPDEN PARK Phillips
captains when he led the team
out.
19SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
FUTSAL
WHAT IS FUTSAL?
Q&A WITH COACH
Futsal is a five-a-side version of football
EDUCATION MANAGER
with unlimited substitutions and 20 STUART MCLAREN
minutes a half. The game is played with
an optimised ball that does not bounce as WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN WHAT DOES THE AVERAGE
much as a traditional football. MADE WITH FUTSAL IN 2017 IN FUTSAL CALENDAR LOOK LIKE
SCOTLAND? FOR THE NATIONAL TEAM?
Currently in Scotland there is a strong adult
In terms of adult game provision, A preliminary round takes place
league with 51 teams affiliated through the
the Scottish Futsal League has alternatively every two years for
Scottish Amateur Football Association.
continued to develop the Super the UEFA Futsal Euro or the FIFA
There is an ever growing recognition in League by utilising venues Futsal World Cup. At the end
Scotland that futsal can be beneficial throughout the country to raise of the year there is the annual
both as a game in its own right and as a awareness of the sport rather Home Nations Championship,
development tool for young football players. than playing matches at a single which took place in Scotland in
This is reflected in more activity in youth central facility. 2017, and in 2018 it will be held
futsal. in Northern Ireland. In between
There has been a variety of both sets of matches, a number
futsal activity for children and of training camps will take place.
youth players via schools and
SYFA affiliated clubs with each HOW DID THE HOME NATIONS
of the six Scottish FA regions CHAMPIONSHIP GO FOR THE
overseeing a pilot games NATIONAL TEAM?
programme for the 2009 age
group. The performance of the team
was perhaps above expectations
In terms of the national team, and the results also indicated
Mark Potter left his post as head improvement from 2016.
coach with Gerry McMonagle
We finished in third place,
taking over for the annual
beating Northern Ireland,
Home Nations Championship.
drawing with Wales and losing
At the tail end of the year Scott
out to England.
Chaplain was appointed as the
head coach going forward. The matches at Oriam were well
attended and demonstrated
WHAT ARE YOUR TARGETS what an exciting game futsal is
FOR 2018? for spectators, especially at the
highest level.
Facilitating an increase in
opportunities for young players
to experience and play the sport TELL US ABOUT YOUR
is the main target for 2018. NEW HEAD COACH SCOTT
CHAPLAIN?
We are in the process of Scott has played with the
developing a framework for national futsal team, delivered
futsal that will outline how we much of our futsal coach
aim to achieve this. We also education, and has both talent
want to continue to support the and a willingness to continually
growth in the adult game as well improve as a coach.
as develop more opportunities
for female players to participate He has indicated his plans to
in the game. further progress the squad
as we strive to achieve better
Above: Scott Chaplain results at future international
Left: Scott Mollison tournaments.
20SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
SCOTTISH CUPS
SCOTTISH FA YOUTH CUP
CELTIC 3-0 RANGERS
Celtic added the Scottish FA Youth Cup to
their season haul after a deserved victory
over rivals Rangers at Hampden Park.
The Hoops made the breakthrough seven
minutes from the interval. Eye-catching
winger Michael Johnston back-heeled into
the path of Calvin Miller, who crossed for Joe
Thomson. His glancing header fell into
the path of captain Sam Wardrop, who
made no mistake from 10 yards. Miller
and man-of-the-match Aidan McIlduff
sealed victory with close-range efforts
of their own.
WILLIAM HILL SCOTTISH CUP SSE SCOTTISH WOMEN’S
CELTIC 2-1 ABERDEEN CUP FINAL
Celtic completed a historic complete an unbeaten treble, HIBERNIAN 3-0 GLASGOW
domestic unbeaten treble while getting their hands on the CITY
thanks to Tom Rogic’s dramatic famous old trophy for the first
Hibernian completed the cup double
injury-time winner. time since 2013.
for the second year in succession with
Supporters were treated to Reflecting on a dream debut this convincing victory over perennial
a thrilling 90 minutes, with season in charge, Brendan powerhouses Glasgow City.
underdogs Aberdeen starting on Rodgers said: “If you’re going Scotland striker Abi Harrison smashed home
the front foot. to create history, which we’ve from close range to give Hibs the lead in
done, then you have to make Livingston, before a stunning 40-yard free-
Jonny Hayes’ clinical half-volley
gave The Dons’ a deserved it happen and the players have kick from Siobhan Hunter killed off any hopes
early lead after a fine start to done that. of a City comeback. Rachael Small added a
proceedings. “It was a really tough game and, third to round off the scoring and give new
as well as to my own players, manager Kevin Milne a winning start to life in
Celtic, however, showed the kind the Hibees’ dugout.
of resilience that typified their give credit to Aberdeen. They
season to turn the tide. made it really tough for us,
particularly in the first half. SCOTTISH WOMEN’S PREMIER
Stuart Armstrong levelled with
“We had to dig deep, we weren’t LEAGUE CUP FINAL
a precise shot from the edge
of the area before Australian quite as fluent in our game and
HIBERNIAN 4-1CELTIC
playmaker Rogic took centre that’s credit to them. They broke
the game up quite well. Hibernian retained the SWPL Cup after a
stage.
comprehensive triumph over a talented
Two minutes into stoppage time, “We just reinforced at half-time Celtic side at Broadwood.
with everyone else seemingly the idea of staying calm, that
Kirsty Smith got Hibs off the mark with an
steeling themselves for the eventually Aberdeen would
audacious effort after spotting goalkeeper
prospect of extra time, Rogic tire and that’s what started to
Megan Cunningham off her line. The Hoops,
ran at Aberdeen down the right happen.
though, showed character to bounce back
flank, burst beyond Andrew and level within a minute through Ruesha
“In the second half we created
Considine and fired low beyond Littlejohn. Lucy Graham restored Hibs’ lead
chances and were disappointed
the diving Joe Lewis.
not to score one or two more. before Rachel McLauchlan and Rachael Small
In doing so Celtic became the We got the goal in the end and added their names to the scoresheet.
first side in Scottish football to thoroughly deserved it.”
21SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW 22
SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
23SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
GRASSROOTS
REVIEW
The past year has seen several Powerchair football event
milestones in grassroots
football across Scotland,
with the launch of the new
grassroots strategy, the One
National Plan, a new Para-
Football Strategy and the
development and inception of
a new brand for the Scottish
FA’s Football Development
department – designed to
highlight that grassroots
football delivers Football for
Life.
One National Plan
The first half of 2017 saw the
TARGETS
launch of a bold new strategy
for Scottish non-professional
• Participation: growing the
football, designed to grow the
game across the country in both
scale and diversity of football
scale and diversity, develop across Scotland.
talent and provide social
benefits. • Education: developing the
capacity and capability of
The One National Plan builds on
the successes of the 2005 Youth
volunteers and the coaching
Action Plan and the 2011 One workforce to support the
National Plan. It provides the growth and development of
framework for everyone within our game.
Scottish football to establish
safe, friendly and nurturing • Club Services: enabling
environments to promote all Scottish clubs to grow,
enjoyment of the game and
develop and reach their full
foster healthy lifestyles.
potential.
The strategy sets an ambitious
target of enlisting ten percent of • Attractive Game: creating a
Scotland’s population to become culture and environment that
involved within Scottish Football
attracts, retains and develops
in some form by 2026.
players, coaches and officials
from across all communities.
24SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
Football for Life
In order to properly showcase
the strategy, a new brand
was launched for Scotland’s
grassroots game. The brand was
launched in September, during
UEFA Grassroots Week 2017,
and describes the overarching
vision of the One National Plan
as providing Football for Life.
Football for Life aims to provide
opportunities for every person
in Scotland to participate and
develop through the national
game. This, in turn, will grow the
value and benefit of football for Scottish FA Deaf huge range of football initiatives In 2017 the Cashback for
individuals, communities and Football Festival
delivered through the Scottish Communities programme
2018
society alike. FA. The number of registered continued to thrive, with
Football for Life is designed to players in Scotland has now qualitative analysis of the
grow the game across Scotland reached 142,231 with 12,000 School of Football programme
by making it more attractive and female players. yielding heartening results.
sustainable. This will be achieved 95%, of respondents reported
Another of the key successes in
through initiatives that increase participation having a positive
this area in 2017 has been the
participation, deliver education impact on young people’s
development of the new Para-
and enhance the services clubs confidence and 95% of
Football strategy, Playability…
bring to their communities. participants in the programme
Our Game is the Same. The
improved their skills for learning,
Beyond growing the game, strategy will run through to 2022
life and work.
Football for Life encourages and is designed to create greater
lifelong participation – not only opportunities for participants of Clubs for Communities
increasing participation in the all abilities across the nation to
reach their full potential through Through Clubs for
game, but ensuring that once
the creation of a player-focused Communities, the Scottish
players are involved in football,
environment that will allow FA aims to empower clubs
they stay in football.
participants to enjoy Scotland’s to achieve their full potential
These three outcomes are a key national game. in delivering benefits to
part of the new brand: Football their communities. Clubs
for All; Skills for Life; and Clubs Skills for Life contribute to the pyramid of
for Communities. Every football players, coaches, referees and
Recognising that football offers
programme that the Scottish volunteers required to grow and
far more than an enjoyable
FA offers at grassroots level falls sustain the game.
sporting activity – participation
under the category of one of
delivering real-world skills The strategy aims to support
these three outcomes.
such as teamwork, leadership, clubs, recruit volunteers and
Football for All respect and resilience. Skills for ultimately inspire communities
Life relates to the development through football.
This pillar of the new brand of Scottish football’s volunteers,
focuses on growing the game – Clubs for Communities
referees and coaches.
growing the scale and diversity encompasses programmes
of football participation To provide Skills for Life, the such as the Scottish FA
in Scotland by increasing Scottish FA is continuing to Grassroots Awards and Football
recruitment and retention of develop existing education Development’s flagship Quality
participants, regardless of age, courses to increase their Mark club accreditation scheme,
gender, background or ability. range, reach and impact, while both of which have continued
nurturing a positive culture to excel under the new brand.
The success of the Scottish FA’s throughout grassroots football The Quality Mark scheme this
drive to increase participation to further incentivise the year saw 535 clubs achieving the
resulted in it exceeding its development of talent. prestigious Quality Mark status
target for participation by the and 2018 will see additional
end of 2017. Head of Football Skills for Life encompasses
development, tying in with the
Development Andrew Gould programmes such as the Lidl
overall Football Development
announced at a special event Skills Centres, the Cashback
brand.
held at the Scottish Parliament for Communities programme,
to engage with MSPs and coach education and referee
demonstrated to them the development.
25SCOTTISH FA • 2018 ANNUAL REVIEW
CASHBACK FOR
COMMUNITIES
2017 saw the Scottish FA
continue its successful
partnership with the Scottish Joe Mearns
Government’s Cashback for
Communities programme into its
tenth year.
Since 2008 the two organisations
have worked to make a strong
impact in communities across
Scotland providing free football
activities for people aged between
10-24 years-old.
Thousands of young people
have benefited from projects
supporting volunteer
development, schools in deprived
communities, participation
opportunities and much more.
The last nine years of partnership
with the Scottish Government
has been incredibly beneficial to
communities across the country
and whilst the new three year
agreement will continue to do
this it will be more focused on the Analysis of the benefits of the School of Football programme
most socially deprived areas and
The Scottish FA carried out dribbling and shooting, as well as
seek to use football to support
some quantitative analysis of the physical skills and performance related
those who may not readily access
effectiveness of the Cashback for to the sport including agility, balance
development opportunities.
Communities My School of Football and stamina.
The work on phase four began Programme in the past year, with the
on 1 April 2017 and will continue results indicating that it is an invaluable Young people’s behaviours and
through until March 2020 with the initiative. aspirations change positively – 95%
aim of making a strong impact on reported improved behaviour in
those young people who love the In early 2018 a survey of head and participants at school.
game and want to make a positive senior teachers in Schools of Football
yielded the following headline results: Young people’s wellbeing improves
contribution to society.
– 89% agreed that the Schools of
The three specific strands of Young people build their capacity and Football programme has helped to
the Scottish FA’s Cashback for confidence – 95%, of respondents improve health and wellbeing among
Communities project are; My reported participation having a participants.
School of Football; My Inclusive positive impact on young people’s
Community programmes and confidence, while 68% reported that it School attendance and attainment
My Volunteer and Inspire, which helped improve their willingness to try increases – 89% of respondents
will engage just over 4,500 new activities. reported improved attendance at
youngsters. These young people school amongst participants.
Young people develop their
are aged between 10 and 24,
physical and personal skills – 95% Young people participate in activity
may be disadvantaged by living
of participants in the programme which improves their learning,
in areas of deprivation; being
improved their skills for learning, employability and employment
unemployed; not in education
or training; being excluded (or at life and work, for example literacy, options - 74% of respondents reported
risk of exclusion from school); or numeracy, leadership, teamwork, that participants’ engagement in
being at risk of becoming involved communication organisation and other classes improved, while 68%
in antisocial behaviour, offending time management. In addition, 89% reported improved concentration
or re-offending reported improvements in football and 63% noticed improved academic
skills, including areas such as passing, performance in other areas.
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