SPFL Trust – CashBack Off the Bench Annual Report

SPFL Trust – CashBack Off the Bench Annual Report

SPFL Trust‘s 2022-23 CashBack Off the Bench report is now available, highlighting another successful year of clubs and ATCs helping young people to power their potential.

CashBack Off the Bench gives young people aged 16-24 an opportunity to focus on their personal development with access to education, physical and mental health support. 

In year three, sessions took place once a week, delivered in partnership with four ATCs: Big Hearts Community Trust, Falkirk Foundation, Motherwell FC Community Trust and ST Mirren FC Charitable Foundation.

The programme is also supported by a network of partners, to support participants to build a better future. Fast Forward, Scottish Drugs Forum, SAMH, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, LEAP, The Scottish Football Association, Police Scotland and Show Racism the Red Card all offered their expertise, informing participants about mental health, gambling, racism, alcohol and drugs.

SPFL Trust’s CEO Nicky Reid was delighted with the impact the programme had in year three.

“Participants from each ATC have come away with the skills and confidence they need to move forward, and this is testament to everyone involved in the delivery of the programme. Many have secured employment and some have taken a step into education, volunteering and training opportunities, with others now in the early stages of a coaching career in football. I would like to pay gratitude to colleagues from participating ATCs and partner organisations, who have all played a key role in shaping the futures of these participants.”

Nicky Reid, CEO at SPFL Trust

CashBack Off the Bench participant, Jake, left school a few years ago with the intention of getting into football coaching. He was looking to make his next step when his DWP careers advisor told him about Off the Bench.

“I’ve done stuff like this before, and they’ve not helped at all. But this one really has – there’s a positive feeling about where it will lead to. Leaving school, you can get quite lonely – everyone goes their own path. At Off the Bench, we’ve all gone through this together.”

Jake, CashBack Off the Bench participant

SPFL Trust have successfully secured three years of further funding for the programme from the CashBack for Communities scheme. In this time, an additional 180 participants will have the opportunity to power their own potential.

Click here to access the 2022-2023 CashBack Off the Bench report.