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SPOA selects recipients for Youth Sports Sponsorship

The Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) has selected six youth sports clubs and teams from across Scotland to receive funding through its Youth Sports Sponsorship programme for 2026.

Now in its second year, the programme provides up to £1,000 to under-16s clubs, which can be put towards new strips, training tops or equipment.

The six successful applicants for 2026 are Currie Chieftains RFC U15s, Team Kay/Brown Curling Mixed, Stirling County RFC U15s, Laurieston Bowling Club, Blackburn United 2015 U12s Girls FC and Stoneywood Parkvale Boys Club FC.

The SPOA received a high volume of applications, making the final selection a difficult process.

SPOA President David Jarvie said: “Following the success of the first year of the Youth Sports Sponsorship programme in 2025, we were keen to build on this foundation.

“Launching ahead of the ‘summer of sport’ this year, it was clear that grassroots sports for young people in Scotland is more popular than ever and that the need for financial support has never been higher.

“Reflecting the diversity of sport in Scotland, we are delighted to award funding not only to staple sports such as rugby and football, but also to clubs that champion more niche sports for young people including curling and bowling.

“We are looking forward to getting to know these clubs throughout the year and sharing their successes.”

For Laurieston Bowling Club, the funding follows a successful year of developing its junior programme. The club became only the ninth in Scotland to achieve Gold Bowls Mark accreditation from Bowls Scotland in 2025, as well as becoming the first local club to receive Active Schools accreditation from Sport Scotland.

Coach Peter Alexander said: “To encourage the next generation of bowlers, we have established a team of around a dozen Bowls Scotland-trained coaches and PVG-accredited assistants to deliver a wide-ranging programme of initiatives.

“This includes a free weekly coaching session for over 20 children as well as providing free-to-hire bowls to over 20 children attending coaching sessions at other clubs throughout the district.

“In partnership with Active Schools, we deliver regular taster sessions to over 500 pupils each year including at holiday and multi-sport camps.

“We are very grateful to the SPOA and will use the funds to purchase additional sets of bowls and bags.”

The programme is also supporting Stoneywood Parkvale Boys Club FC, a newly formed grassroots football club in Dyce. With the club building its operation from the ground up, much of its budget is required for essentials including affiliation, insurance, pitch hire, training equipment and match kit.

Head coach Jonathan Flett said the funding will be used to provide waterproof jackets for players, helping them stay warm and dry during training and matches throughout the year.

“Our club is based in an area where many families face financial pressures. One of our main aims is to reduce barriers to participation and make sure that children are able to play football regardless of their family’s circumstances,” he said.

“Providing jackets would also help create a strong club identity and ensure every child feels included as part of the team. This support would have an immediate and lasting impact on our players and families.”

David Jarvie added: “Congratulations to our six clubs for 2026, let’s hope it is a successful year for all our young players.”

The SPOA will provide updates on the successful teams and clubs throughout the year via its website and social media channels.