‘Extra Time' partnership providing vital support.
A joint initiative between the Scottish Government and the
Scottish Football Association is supporting low-income families.
Launched by the First Minister with a £2million Scottish
Government investment last year, the programme provides
before-school, after-school and holiday activities for around
2,700 children each week.
The Extra Time programme aims to tackle poverty by delivering
accessible and affordable activity clubs for children from
low-income families.
During a visit to Dundee United Sports Club, which received
£95,000 from the fund and provides support during term time and
school holidays, Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said:
“School holidays should be a time for fun and enjoyment for
children, but for many families it is a time of added financial
pressure.
“Scotland currently has one of the most generous childcare offers
in the UK, and our investment in early learning and childcare,
and school age childcare, is a key part of our goal to tackle
child poverty.
“We are committed to building a system of school age childcare
that helps to support parents and carers into employment,
training or study. Our investment is helping to reduce
inequalities that exist for children from lower income families
who might otherwise struggle to participate in activities before
or after school or during the holidays.
“Our Extra Time partnership with the Scottish Football
Association is in the early stages of delivery, but we are
already seeing the positive impacts that access to term time and
holiday clubs are having on both children and parents. For
example, we have early evidence from families that they feel
better supported to work, with children seeing the benefits of
increased physical activity as well as other benefits such as
improved attendance, and improved behaviour at school'.
Chief Executive of the Scottish Football Association, Ian
Maxwell, said:
“It is fantastic to see the impact this vital programme is
already having across the country since its launch last year,
building on the initial success of the pilot in Ayr.
“Every child should have the opportunity to experience our
national game and play with their friends within their local
communities. There is no doubt that initiatives such as the Extra
Time programme help remove barriers for children and their
families around accessing after school and holiday
activity clubs.
“We are appreciative of the continued support of the Scottish
Government on this project, as we continue to pursue avenues in
which the power of football can make a tangible difference in the
lives of people in Scotland.”
