The SPFL has created a new fund in order to help clubs improve the matchday experience for young supporters.
The 42 clubs part of the professional association can now apply for funding as part of the new £50,000 initiative in an attempt to encourage supporter behaviour at games from the Scottish Premiership to League Two across the country.
Run by the SPFL Trust, the programme will allow clubs to apply for individual grants of up to £5,000 to help enable them to be creative and innovative in the way they approach and entice positive engagement with fans.
The SPFL say this scheme is particularly aimed at the 16-24 ages bracket.
To be eligible for funding, clubs will have to work directly with their club associated charitable trusts on the project.
The idea was inspired by recent success stories from across Scottish football of clubs working with their associated trusts to make a difference at a local club level.
Examples of this include the creation of the “Rec” stand out of a shipping container at Peterhead’s Balmoor stadium, which provides young fans their own safe standing space, helping them to create a lively atmosphere on game days.
Alloa Athletic FC, in partnership with The Wasps Community Club, have also been praised for the work they’ve done with their young supporters’ club based at the new Hive Community Centre in the town, offering membership cards giving match day access to the Hive and discounts for local businesses that can be withdrawn for unacceptable behaviour at games — a scheme that has already improved matchday conduct.
The SPFL Trust announced the launch of the new Innovation Fund: Fan Engagement at its annual conference in Glasgow today.
Nicky Reid, SPFL Trust chief executive, said: “We’re really proud to announce this new fund, which we believe can both improve the matchday for fans as well as help address challenges around fan behaviour at games.
“This funding will help build on the success of other great projects, such as the “Rec” stand created for Peterhead fans and the great work being done between Alloa Athletic FC and the Wasps Community Club for the club’s next generation of fans.
“We want to help create a safer football environment for young supporters and this fund will be really beneficial in supporting projects that can benefit not just the fans involved, but the individual club’s fanbase and the wider community.”
Calum Beattie, SPFL chief operating officer, said: “We’re extremely proud to have the highest per capita attendances in Europe and our young passionate fans are a huge part of that.
“The projects at Alloa Athletic and Peterhead are two excellent initiatives. We wanted to create a fund to build on the success of these and allow other clubs to explore similar initiatives to improve the fan experience and also address any potential antisocial behaviour at SPFL matches.”
