A life-changing social enterprise has been helped to celebrate its 10th birthday by ScotRail
Street Soccer Scotland hosted its Summer Festival at the Tony Macaroni Arena, Livingston on Wednesday 17 July to mark the occasion, and ScotRail provided free train tickets for travelling teams.
A total of 24 teams from across Scotland – including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen – competed in the tournament, with Porty FC from Edinburgh prevailing as the eventual winners of the Street Soccer Summer Festival Cup.
Since ScotRail’s partnership with Street Soccer Scotland began, it has been worth an estimated £65,000 to the charity, with the train operator donating football equipment, free tickets and unlimited travel passes to the organisation. This has allowed staff, volunteers and players to travel to meetings and matches across the country free of charge.
Founded in 2009, Street Soccer Scotland uses football inspired training and personal development to empower people who are affected by social exclusion and to make positive changes in their lives.
ScotRail Community Liaison Executive John Wilson said:
“We’re really proud to support Street Soccer Scotland. The work they do to drive positive change in people’s lives is incredible, and it’s something that is at the core of ScotRail’s values.
“Supporting communities and organisations with their initiatives is a key part of what we do, and as we continue our work to deliver the best for Scotland’s Railway, we will continue to make a difference to the communities we serve.”
Street Soccer Scotland Founder David Duke MBE said:
“The Street Soccer Summer Festival is one the highlights of the summer for everyone involved here. It turned out to be a fantastic occasion for all and we wouldn’t have made it possible without the help of our supporters.
“Thanks to ScotRail, who have been supporting us for over a year now, our players from Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow were able to travel in style to and from the event. We are delighted that ScotRail is a part of our journey, and our players journey.”
