During a visit earlier in the week the UK Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, announced funding to provide and improve access to sport with all-weather pitches, floodlights and community hubs at three dozen locations in Scotland.
The new and upgraded facilities will have modern changing rooms designed to welcome women and girls.
On Friday the Sports Minister, Stephanie Peacock, visited Spartans in north Edinburgh where £132,996 will be used to upgrade the artificial grass pitch. A further £136,913 will be used to upgrade an artificial grass pitch and spectator and technical area at Forrester High School.
Ms Peacock said: “This investment will make a real difference to communities across Scotland. Quality facilities are the foundation of grassroots sport – they’re places where children fall in love with the game, where communities thrive, and where people of all ages come together to stay active and healthy.
“It was brilliant to see what a difference it’s already made to Spartans FC’s facilities. By targeting funding at areas that need it most, we’re making sure everyone has the chance to benefit from sport, regardless of where they live or their background.”
East Kilbride United Community Sports Club, received £310,000 across 2024-26 for a new artificial pitch and changing pavilion at Kirktonholme. The upgraded facility now hosts women’s and girls’ teams, school PE lessons, and a walking football programme supporting men’s mental health.
During her visit East Kilbride, Ms Nandy said: “This is sport delivering for the nation. Every pound we invest in grassroots facilities is a pound that takes pressure off our NHS, supports mental and physical health, and opens doors for new community members to benefit from sport – like women and girls who’ve been shut out for too long.
“We’re supporting communities that have made do with run-down pitches and crumbling changing rooms for years. This government is turning that around – building the facilities that get people active, bring communities together, and nurture the next generation of sporting talent.”
Multi-Sport Grassroots Programme
The monies come from the Multi-Sport Grassroots Programme, and at least half of all funding will go directly to the 30% most deprived communities in the UK. Sports clubs and organisations will also benefit from new goalposts, fencing and new changing pavilions. To ensure broader participation beyond football, at least 40% of funded projects must have a multi-sport offer. This approach will give more people access to a wider variety of sports and activities, such as rugby, cricket, and basketball.
Scotland Office Minister, Kirsty McNeill, said: “Scotland is a nation passionate about sports and it’s great to see how in the year that our men’s team returns to the football World Cup UK Government investment is benefiting local communities through new and upgraded sporting facilities at the likes of East Kilbride United.
“The UK Government is continuing to ensure communities the length and breadth of Scotland have access to quality pitches, changing pavilions, lighting, goalposts and other facilities essential for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
“Grassroots sports are at the heart of Scotland’s communities and the UK Government is committed to helping local clubs – and the health and well-being of those who use them – flourish.”
Scotland received £8.14 million for 2026-27 delivered through the Scottish Football Association.
The announcement is the latest part of a £400 million boost for grassroots sport facilities announced by the Government in June 2025.
