SPFL Trust celebrates milestone anniversary
Written By SPFL Trust Media Centre
We’re celebrating a milestone today at the SPFL Trust, as we mark our 15th anniversary.
Founded on 04 December 2009, we’ve seen the growth of SPFL associated trusts and clubs (ATCs) across the country from just two at our inception to now more than 40 in the men’s and women’s game.
We’ve delivered game-changing programmes like Football Fans in Training, Music Box, Still Game, CashBack Off the Bench, Joy of Moving, Mental Health Awareness Courses, The Changing Room, Kick-off Your Career, H20, and Festive Friends.
And in recent years we’ve managed a range of funds, including those during the Covid-19 pandemic, and more recently our novel Winter and Innovation Funds.
Importantly, the SPFL Trust is a trusted partner advising Scottish Government and other key statutory agencies on a range of issues that affect public health and inequalities in Scotland.
That’s only possible because of the robust governance that is in place, led by our board of trustees.
Our CEO Nicky Reid reflected on how much has been achieved over the last decade and a half.
“Anniversaries tend to only matter to the people who are celebrating,” she commented.
“That said, we feel it’s important to think about just how many people have been supported through and because of the SPFL Trust over the last 15 years.
“During that time we’ve helped people on their way to being fitter, healthier, happier, less socially isolated, or better equipped for employment or training.
“We’ve done that through the design and delivery of effective programmes, securing new funding streams, and being an important part of key policy development in Scotland.”
Nicky highlighted that the impact of the work has been far reaching with the SPFL Trust often represented internationally across Europe and in China, too.
“We’ve seen the extraordinary impact of our Scottish Football communities, something that has been recognised on the global stage, too,” she added.
“Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible support of clubs and community trusts across the country, and so I want to thank them warmly for everything they do.
“As we move forward, we’re going to continue to provide leadership, support and encouragement to show the power that Scottish football can play an important part in tackling some of our country’s big issues.”
Meanwhile, SPFL group chief executive Neil Doncaster reflected on the role of the SPFL Trust in establishing a charity sector around football clubs in Scotland.
He said, “Over the last 15 years, the SPFL Trust – previously the SPL Trust – has played a crucial role in the development of charities across our member clubs.
“When formed there were just two clubs operating with official partner charities, and now there are 44 across the men’s and women’s game.
“These independent organisations which are governed by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator help bring meaningful change to the lives of people in communities across the country.
“I’m delighted that the SPFL Trust has played a leading role in the development of this vibrant network, and that the SPFL is able to support this work in a range of different ways.”
Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing some of our memories and highlights of the last 15 years across SPFL Trust social channels and on our new campaign page.