Ten years of Festive Friends

The SPFL Trust is celebrating a decade of its flagship winter campaign Festive Friends – which has now provided more than 26,000 Christmas meals to older people at risk of loneliness and social isolation across Scotland.

Since launching in 2016, the charity’s Festive Friends has grown from a small pilot project to a national programme delivered through Scotland’s professional football clubs and their associated community organisations.

Now in its tenth year, the initiative continues to bring warmth, companionship and festive cheer to thousands who might otherwise spend Christmas alone, with Festive Friends events taking place at more than 40 SPFL and SWPL clubs and associated community trusts (ATCs) across Scotland this December.

SPFL Trust CEO Nicky Reid said: "Festive Friends is a real highlight of the year for us and we’re all looking forward to the various Festive Friends events across the country this month.

"Over the past decade, the programme has shown the very best of Scottish football - opening our doors, extending a hand of friendship, and giving people a sense of belonging.

"As isolation and loneliness continue to affect so many, especially older people, initiatives like Festive Friends play an essential role. We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved, and we’re grateful to every club, volunteer and partner who makes it possible."

Last Christmas, 37 ATCs took part, supporting more than 5,200 older people through a combination of community Christmas lunches, home-delivered meals, gift parcels, and social activities designed to help individuals feel connected at what can be the loneliest time of year.

Clubs and community trusts delivered a wide range of support, including community festive lunches held at stadiums and local venues, home-delivered meals, hampers and gifts for those unable to attend in person, doorstep visits and friendly calls to offer companionship, as well as transport support, ensuring guests with mobility challenges could join in.

The success of Festive Friends is made possible by the combined efforts of clubs and ATCs, hundreds of volunteers, and dozens of partner organisations who contribute food, transport, gifts or funding. This includes the Scottish Professional Football League, which donates £25,000 each year to support with funding for the event.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL group chief executive said: "Festive Friends is a shining example of the great work done by clubs and ATCs across the country.

"We’re proud to continue to support this incredible SPFL Trust initiative, which is making a real difference to so many people throughout Scotland."

Looking ahead, the SPFL Trust is aiming to build on the success of the project and to continue to support people across the country.

Nicky added: "The need is growing, not shrinking. With continued support, we can make the next decade of Festive Friends even more powerful - ensuring no older person is left feeling forgotten at Christmas."