13 March 2024

Twenty-three community sport organisations awarded European Capital of Sport funding by Glasgow Life

A group of young children, some with bibs over their strips, playing football in Glasgow

Glasgow Life has awarded thousands of pounds of funding to community sport organisations across the city.

Twenty-three groups will receive a share of nearly £60,000, with awards of up to £3,000 each, through the European Capital of Sport (ECOS) Legacy Fund.

The fund was open to organisations which put on activities to celebrate Glasgow’s year as the European Capital of Sport in 2023.

The shortlisted groups voted for the winners at events in four areas of the city. The ECOS Legacy Fund prioritises organisations that:

  • Develop opportunities in physical activity and sport for local communities in Glasgow.
  • Remove barriers to taking part in physical activity and sport for underrepresented groups.
  • Use physical activity and sport to enhance physical and mental wellbeing.

Organisations will use the funding for a range of projects, including after-school gymnastics programmes and basketball festivals for people with additional support needs.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and Convener for Culture, Sport and International Relations for Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow enjoyed a wonderful year as European Capital of Sport, and this funding shows how we’re making sure there is a legacy. Every group which applied plays a vital role in their community. They break down barriers and help Glaswegians of all backgrounds experience the benefits of physical activity and sport.”

One of the groups which will benefit is On The Ball Academy Glasgow in the northwest of the city.

The academy caters for all ages and skills and makes sure people have access to coaching regardless of their background. They run classes for children aged 2 to 16 and youth teams for 5 to 12-year-olds.

The group will use the funding for their GameChangeHers project, which aims to encourage more girls to get involved in football.

Ryan Docherty, Founder, CEO and Academy Director of On The Ball Academy Glasgow, said: “We already have some girls taking part in our sessions, but this funding will make a difference and help us take it to the next level. It will allow us to run free taster sessions for girls and buy extra equipment. We want as many girls as possible playing the game and will be working with the local community to encourage more to come along and give it a go.”

Glasgow is the first city to be named European Capital of Sport twice, having also earned the accolade in 2003.

The Legacy Fund builds on the original ECOS Fund, which saw over 100 organisations receive grants of £750 in 2023 to improve the wellbeing of Glasgow’s communities.

Visit the Glasgow Life European Capital of Sport website to find out more about how sport improved people’s lives in 2023.

The list of successful organisations:

  1. Shoot For Success SCIO
  2. Bluevale Community Club
  3. Easterhouse Phoenix Development Ltd
  4. Jiggly Joggers
  5. Scottish Sports Futures
  6. Gathering Ground Spaces CIC
  7. Argo Boxing Club
  8. On The Ball Academy Glasgow
  9. Glasgow Watersports Ltd
  10. Maryhill Community Tennis Club
  11. Glasgow Mid Argyll Shinty Club
  12. G20 Works
  13. Partick Boxing Club
  14. Finding Your Feet
  15. Glasgow Wheelchair Rugby Club
  16. Women on Wheels
  17. Glasgow ANSAR
  18. Glasgow Rens Basketball Club
  19. Kingston Gymnastics Club
  20. Pollok United
  21. East Pollokshields Out of School Care
  22. Boots and Beards
  23. Darnley Primary Parent Council