‘Inspiring’ football club which helps children learn to benefit from Budget cash

An “inspiring scheme” where youngsters who struggle at school are taught at a football club is to benefit from a share of £62 million regeneration funding.

The Spartans Community Foundation in the Pilton area of Edinburgh is due to receive money to help it install a permanent classroom to replace temporary cabins, where youngsters currently receive lessons in literacy, numeracy, entrepreneurship, art and physical education.

It is one of a number of schemes to benefit from the funding, which is included in the Scottish Government’s 2025-26 Budget, which is expected to be passed by Holyrood next month.

Other initiatives that are also due to benefit include a project that aims to transform a courthouse in Arbroath into a centre providing careers advice and skills training, along with plans to clear three derelict sites in the Lochee area of Dundee to make way for affordable homes.

Visiting the Spartans project, employment and investment minister Tom Arthur stressed: “Regeneration is a key priority for the Scottish Government, as it contributes to growing the economy and creating jobs.”

He praised the “inspiring scheme rune by Spartans” – which also works to help teenagers into jobs, training and college places after they leave school.

Mr Arthur added the project showed “how local people can identify the issues they want tackled and then come up with the solution, at which point the Scottish Government is able step in with support”.

He continued: “The new classroom will help more young people leave school with qualifications, find jobs and further education opportunities, as well as enjoy free football sessions.

“It is an example of delivering economic growth and tackling poverty at the grassroots.”