Friday September 4th 2026
Image credit: ScotRail / Edinburgh Photographic
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
ScotRail, Network Rail Scotland, and Street Soccer joined forces for the first Scotland’s Railway Football Tournament and raised thousands of pounds for charity.
The tournament took place at Powerleague Glasgow on Thursday, 3 September, where teams competed in support of Street Soccer.
Fundraising from the event has reached £10,000 so far, and the organisers hope it will now become an annual fixture in the Scotland’s Railway calendar, showcasing the positive contribution the railway and its people make to communities across the country.
Anyone who was unable to take part can still support the fundraising through a dedicated JustGiving page.
Every pound raised helps Street Soccer continue delivering its life-changing programmes.
Street Soccer uses football to create positive change, providing opportunities and support for people affected by social exclusion and helping participants build confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging.
Funds raised also support both the men’s and women’s Street Soccer teams’ participation in the Homeless World Cup, giving players the opportunity to represent their countries and showcase the impact of the programme on a global stage.
Paul McKay, ScotRail Communications Director, said:
“Scotland’s Railway is about much more than getting people from A to B by train. Thousands of people across the industry live and work in the communities we serve, and we want to make a positive contribution to them whenever we can.
“This tournament brought together colleagues from across the railway, to enjoy a bit of friendly competition, and raise money for Street Soccer, a cause that makes a real difference to themost at risk and socially disadvantaged people across Scotland.
“It was great to see teams from the whole industry getting involved to make the first Scotland’s Railway Football Tournament a real success.”
Innis Keith, Network Rail Scotland Health, Safety and Environment Director, said:
“The first Scotland’s Railway football tournament is a great way to bring staff and local communities together.
“The railway connects people every day, and this event is another way we can build relationships, encourage teamwork and give back to the communities we serve.
“It shows the positive role the railway plays beyond transport, creating opportunities for people to stay active while supporting a great cause.”
David Duke MBE, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Street Soccer, said:
“Street Soccer is proud to be working alongside Scotland’s Railway for their first ever football tournament. It’s great to have so many railway organisations come together, not only to have fun, but to raise vital funds for the work that we do.
“We have 64 programmes every week involving thousands of people. The money raised through the tournament will help us to deliver these opportunities, including supporting teams heading to Mexico for the Homeless World Cup in January.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
