Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Since 2008, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) has supported CashBack for Communities, a Scottish government initiative that reinvests funds recovered from crime proceeds into football programmes for young people in deprived communities. These programmes provide safe spaces, positive role models, and structure to help reduce antisocial behaviour and crime among youth.
Activities include free holiday sports camps for children aged 10 to 12, informal ‘Play Fitba’ sessions for teenagers and young adults, and ‘Kick Aboot,’ a ten-week outreach programme for children aged 10 to 16. Nearly 4,800 young people recently participated in CashBack activities, with 96% of Play Fitba and Kick Aboot participants reporting lower involvement in antisocial or criminal behaviour. One participant, 13-year-old Mason from Dundee, shared that these programmes gave him something positive to look forward to instead of wandering the streets and potentially getting into trouble.
The SFA also focuses on education and personal development through football, helping young people obtain coaching qualifications, leadership skills, and work experience. All participants in the 2024/25 Volunteer Inspire Programme have progressed into further education, training, or employment. Paul McNeill, head of the SFA's football development unit, said CashBack for Communities helps young people stay active, build confidence, make positive choices, and shows measurable improvements in health, wellbeing, and social connection.
In addition to CashBack initiatives, the SFA has a four-year national partnership with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland to encourage more women to play football and be physically active, addressing a significant health need in Scotland.