ScotRail has helped a life-changing social enterprise celebrate its 10th birthday.

On Wednesday 17 July, at the Tony Macaroni Arena, Livingston, Street Soccer Scotland hosted its Summer Festival. It was hosted in order to mark the occasion, and ScotRail provided free train tickets for travelling teams.

24 teams from across Scotland competed in the tournament. This included Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen, with Porty FC from Edinburgh prevailing as the eventual winners of the Street Soccer Summer Festival Cup.

Since the partnership began , it has been worth an estimated £65,000 to the charity, with the train operator donating football equipment along with free tickets and unlimited travel passes to the organisation.

This has enabled 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 in order to make positive changes in their lives.

What did the officials have to say?

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.”

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