Stirling Highland Games, one of Scotland’s most beloved annual events, has announced a new partnership with Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) as the official Community Sports Area Delivery Partner for this year’s festivities. The collaboration between the two organizations marks an exciting development for the local community, as it offers a dynamic platform for SSF’s Young Leaders to gain valuable real-world experience while supporting inclusive and engaging sports activities.
The Community Sports Area, a key feature of the Stirling Highland Games, will take place on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 at Stirling Sports Village. After purchasing entry tickets, attendees will have access to free, fun, and inclusive sports tasters for children and families throughout the day. With the addition of SSF, this year’s experience promises to be more vibrant and youth-led than ever before.
Through this partnership, SSF’s Young Leaders will play a leading role in organizing, managing, and delivering a range of sporting activities. This opportunity allows them to put their employability and leadership skills into practice, gain hands-on experience in event delivery, and build confidence in a real-world setting. It also highlights the importance of youth empowerment and community engagement, values shared by both Stirling Highland Games and SSF.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Scottish Sports Futures as our new Community Sports Area Delivery Partner,” said Matt McGrandles, President of Stirling Highland Games. “This partnership not only enhances our event offering but also gives these inspiring young people a chance to showcase their talents and leadership skills in front of their peers and the wider community.”
Scottish Sports Futures, an award-winning charity, uses the power of sport and physical activity to support young people across Scotland to be healthy, confident, and resilient. Their training programs focus on developing transferable life and work skills through sport-based learning and volunteering opportunities.
Maciek Kornobis, Youth Development Coordinator, commented: “We are very excited for the opportunity to be a part of Stirling Highland Games this year. Our SSF Young Leaders from Stirling, Fife, Glasgow, and North Ayrshire fully appreciate the power of sport in bringing communities together and are keen to put younger SHG visitors through their paces at a Mini Highland Games. From an organizational point of view, teaming up with Ceangail was a great fit; just like SSF, they understand the challenges facing young people and aim to provide tools that can help them reach positive destinations.”
The Stirling Highland Games continues to evolve as a celebration of tradition, sport, and inclusion. The addition of SSF and their energetic Young Leaders ensures that this year’s Community Sports Area will be one of the event’s most inspiring and impactful features to date.
The Community Sports Area team will be available for younger visitors on the day from 11:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 15:00. For further information, please visit www.stirlinghighlandgames.com.
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