The Scottish Government is promising free sporting activities for youngsters as it seeks to “harness the excitement” from this summer’s events – including Scotland’s return to the men’s World Cup.
As well as the Scotland men’s football team having qualified for their first World Cup finals since 1998, the summer will see Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said with such “landmark international sporting events” taking place, ministers were hoping to inspire more children and young people to get active.
She teams up with Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, Scottish Football Association (SFA) chief executive Ian Maxwell and sportscotland chair Maureen Campbell to launch the Summer of Sport initiative.
The scheme will see children and young people able to join in a range of free and low-cost sporting activities – including football, rugby, swimming, cycling and athletics.
Events will be hosted by schools, clubs, sporting bodies and local councils, with Ms Gilruth saying: “Our Summer of Sport initiative will harness the excitement to inspire communities across the country to get involved and get active themselves.”
Speaking during a visit to Pollok United football club in Nethercraigs, Glasgow – one of the organisations benefiting from Summer of Sport investment – the Deputy First Minister added: “This innovative programme will offer free and inclusive sporting activities for children and young people – encouraging a new generation to take part in sport and physical activity.
“As part of our wider £40 million additional funding for the 2026-27 sport budget, we are removing barriers to accessing sport and delivering sustainable opportunities for people across Scotland to be more active.
“Activities will take place throughout this summer and beyond, helping to increase participation and enable more young people to remain active long after the final whistle of this summer’s major events.”
Veteran goalkeeper Gordon said: “Sport can be life-changing for young people – it builds confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.
“With such a big summer ahead for Scottish sport, it is brilliant to see investment being made to ensure children and young people across the country have real opportunities to get involved, try something new, and stay active in their local areas.”
For sportscotland, Ms Campbell stressed the summer would be a “hugely exciting time for Scottish sport”.
She stated: “The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.
“At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives – this investment will help to do exactly that.
“We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.”
Meanwhile SFA chief executive Mr Maxwell said that the return of the men’s team to football’s World Cup would “generate excitement across the country”.
He added: “It is important that this inspiration translates into opportunities for people to take part in sport at all levels.
“While football will play a role in launching the Summer of Sport, the wider programme ensures that communities across Scotland can access a broad range of sports and activities throughout the summer.”