The Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) has renewed its commitment to assisting under-16s sports organisations throughout Scotland with the official introduction of its 2026 Youth Sports Sponsorship programme.

Following a successful 2025 initiative where the SPOA backed six distinct sports groups and teams, a cumulative fund of £6,000 has been allocated for 2026. This funding is designed to help youth teams and clubs across the country acquire new training kits or match strips.

Reflecting on the launch of the initiative, David Jarvie, President of the SPOA, said: "The SPOA is delighted to renew our commitment to support under-16s sports clubs across Scotland. SPOA members are based all over Scotland and lots of them already do their bit to support grassroots sport for young people. New strips and training kits can be expensive for clubs that rely on volunteers and goodwill, so we are happy to help by providing that funding.

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"Last year, we were very proud to see the progress of the teams we supported through the Youth Sports Sponsorship programme. Hearing about their achievements and getting to know the clubs gave us plenty to smile about. One of our Executive Committee members even got a curling taster session from Team Kay Curling!

"I urge all SPOA members to spread the word about the funding available through the Youth Sports Sponsorship programme to their local communities and encourage them to apply."

During the 2025 cycle, the Youth Sports Sponsorship scheme provided financial support to the following clubs:

• North Lanarkshire Chiefs Basketball Club U-12s

• Team Kay Curling

• Strathendrick Rugby U-16 girls team

• Falkirk Football Club 2015s team

• Hillwood Football Club 2014s team

• Auchterarder Community Football Club

The closing date for applications is 31st July, and the financial assistance is accessible to clubs representing any sport and situated in any location across Scotland.

In exchange for the financial backing, the SPOA requires its official logo to be displayed by the recipient club. This can be featured on the team's new kit, on the youth club's official website, or physically at the training venue, grounds, or clubhouse where the team is based.

Furthermore, youth sports organisations chosen for the sponsorship will receive coverage across the SPOA's dedicated media channels, including LinkedIn, X, Facebook, its main website, and within the trade association's quarterly newsletter, The Sprocket.

Applications can be submitted directly via the SPOA Sports Sponsorship Programme 2026 portal.