The Scottish Government pledged to double annual funding for sport to £100m in its 2021 Programme for Government. With less than six months of this Parliament left, that commitment remains unfulfilled.
Governing bodies, including ourselves, across Scotland have been pressing the Government through our Running on Empty campaign, to meet this commitment while highlighting the impact the real-terms cut we have suffered has had over the last four years.
As we approach the Scottish Budget, we have collectively written to the First Minister asking him to commit to fulfilling the pledge and support investment in sport in a more sustained way. This has been covered in the media.
“I personally endorse and have wholeheartedly supported our sports-driven Running on Empty campaign.
“The impact of continually under-funding over many years has significantly affected athletes, clubs, communities and the governance and structure of Scottish Volleyball.
“Our sport as like others, has striven to overcome huge recent increases in participation, facility, travel, programme and delivery costs.
“We have stretched, squeezed and found innovative ways to make things work; however, we are now running on empty, and it is time for the Scottish Government to appreciate and truly value the power of sport!”
Sport plays a crucial role in health prevention, community cohesion and showcasing Scotland on the global stage. With the spotlight on us thanks to Glasgow 2026 and other events in the coming years, now is not the time to hold back that committed investment.
Click here to read the full press release, as published by 56 North
Margaret Ann Fleming MBE,
CEO of Scottish Volleyball