A Day at Scottish Sports Futures: Connecting, Sharing and Energising
Posted: 09 February 2026, in Blog-News
I started the day feeling a bit tired – I’d woken up early, even for me, and didn’t get back to sleep – and I ended the day feeling energised and inspired.
There was a real buzz at the Community Learning Exchange to Scottish Sports Futures, funded by the Scottish Community Alliance. Community Learning Echanges give social enterprises, from across Scotland, the chance to step away from the day-to-day. They provide an opportunity to connect and share learning and experiences.
SSF use sport intentionally for social good – engaging young people through an outcomes-focused model grounded in relationships and connection.
What stood out immediately was the care, intention and dedication that runs through everything the team at SSF does. Their work isn’t just about delivering programmes — it’s about showing up consistently for young people. SSF creates environments where they feel safe, heard and supported, when and where they need it most.
First, we heard about SSF’s journey towards a more holistic, sustainable operating model. This model is one that considers social impact and environmental practices, with a stronger income-generating approach. This included commercialising their language and mindset, and their honest recount of struggles and learning was very refreshing to hear.
We also heard how sport, when combined with youth work, can be genuinely life-changing, with 95% of young people reporting increased confidence following SSF’s intervention (SSF Impact Report, 2025). Through trusted relationships and positive role models, SSF is helping young people to build confidence, resilience and skills that extend far beyond the sports arena.
A particularly powerful part of the day focused on their trauma-informed journey. Embedding a trauma-informed approach required commitment, reflection and continuous learning across the organisation. They have embedded this approach in both their youth programmes and in their staff and wider sector support.
Towards the end of the day, we got a real flavour of what SSF’s work with young people looks like in practice. We took part in a few interactive exercises focused on communication and teamwork, which brought the learning to life. There was even time for an adapted game of Jenga — to explore how to help someone feel comfortable, safe and included. It was a great reminder of how thoughtfully designed activities can build trust, conversation and connection – it was also good fun!
A huge thank you to Scottish Sports Futures for hosting, and to Scottish Community Alliance for their support. Thank you to everyone who contributed to such an engaging and enjoyable day. This experience was yet another reminder that while social enterprises’ missions may be unique, the collective impact is so much greater when we take the time to learn together.
Jayne Chappell, Membership Manager, Social Enterprise Scotland