Over six Thursday evenings at Davy Sports Club, our 16–25s from Firth Park and Firvale showed up, laced up, and made the pitch their place. Each session mixed simple, confidence-building drills with short, small-sided games so everyone got plenty of touches, decisions and encouragement. The atmosphere stayed light, competitive and welcoming. Some turned up already friends; many more left as friends — a reminder of how sport can bring people together in the simplest, most natural way.

‍

The group reflected the neighbourhoods we serve — Arab, South Asian and African-Caribbean young people playing side by side. Fitness improved, confidence grew, and a few older participants began shadowing the coach — first steps toward volunteer leadership in community sport.

‍

‍What’s next? We’re using this momentum to shape our year-round offer — more open-access football, links into local clubs, and short volunteer pathways so young people can help run the sessions they love.