With the World Cup on the horizon, a PhD student has taken up the task of researching a successful Scottish football programme for school children from low-income families.
The Scottish Football Association’s Extra Time Programme is a partnership between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Football Association (SFA). It was launched in 2023 as a part of the broader Best Start, Bright Futures scheme.
Extra Time has entered its third phase which will run till March, and the University of Stirling is one of the 31 organisations taking part in the partnership’s expansion.
Funded by the SFA, PhD student Thomas Buchanan will be investigating the programme to examine how effective it has been in tackling child poverty in Scotland, under the supervision of Business School Professor Micheal Roy.
He said: “I see football clubs as lightning rods of community action. In Scotland, nothing elicits the same fanaticism, devotion and dedication quite like football, and we’ll see that even more this year with the World Cup. But within the last decade especially, clubs have begun to realise their power for delivering social good.
“This study is a chance for a look under the bonnet, to find out why Extra Time is so transformative and better understand how football acts as a vehicle for social innovation.”
Derek Allison, Chief Executive Officer with Falkirk Foundation has talked at length about the success of Extra Time for local communities, and how proud he is to be part of change that’s aiding child poverty across Scotland.
He stated: “I see football clubs as lightning rods of community action. In Scotland, nothing elicits the same fanaticism, devotion and dedication quite like football, and we’ll see that even more this year with the World Cup. But within the last decade especially, clubs have begun to realise their power for delivering social good.
“This study is a chance for a look under the bonnet, to find out why Extra Time is so transformative and better understand how football acts as a vehicle for social innovation.”
Head of Public Affairs at the SFA, Danny Bisland believes that with the programme reaching its third year, the research by Thomas couldn’t have come at a better time.
“Extra Time is just in its third year and in a short space of time we have seen incredible results. The direct benefits have included increased access to activities and helping tackle food poverty through food provision.”
“Thomas’s PhD will provide a clear picture of the effects of Extra Time on Scotland’s low-income communities and help steer our next steps.”
Featured Image Credit: University of Stirling PhD student Thomas Buchanan.