The Queen's Park FC Foundation Newsletter - Year 1 Edition
Hey folks! This edition marks 1 year of our Newsletter!
The Foundation has brought you countless stories and celebrations over the course of the past 12 months and more which we would like to take the time in this special edition to reflect back on some of the biggest and most impactful stories that we have covered. Our first year has been a transformative journey, demonstrating how football can be a powerful vehicle for social change, education, and community development. We’ve gone far beyond the traditional boundaries of sport, creating meaningful programmes that touch lives and inspire communities!
Football – More Than a Game
Our pioneering collaboration with the University of Edinburgh Academy of Sport emerged as a cornerstone of our educational mission. The 6-week course, led by Professor Grant Jarvie, was a groundbreaking initiative that attracted learners from diverse backgrounds and challenged conventional thinking about football’s role in society.
The course explored complex themes such as:
– Football’s contribution to UN global development goals
– The historical significance of Queen’s Park in football’s evolution
– Football’s impact on Scotland’s economy, healthcare, and social development
Participants didn’t just passively learn – they actively engaged with the material, gaining critical insights into how sport can be a catalyst for positive change. Many went on to become involved in our community programmes, turning academic knowledge into practical action.
Inspiring Women
The Inspiring Women project stood out as a powerful initiative to challenge gender stereotypes and celebrate women’s achievements. Spearheaded by Suzanne Winters – a Scottish football legend with over 100 international caps – the programme brought inspirational stories to life for young learners.
Our pilot programme culminated in a memorable summit at Hampden’s Scottish Football Museum, featuring:
– An inspiring Q&A panel with football icon Rose Reilly
– Interactive stadium tours
– Engaging workshops that explored women’s contributions to sport
– Opportunities for pupils to critically examine gender barriers
The programme wasn’t just about celebrating women’s achievements – it was about empowering the next generation to challenge existing narratives, understand systemic barriers, and envision a more inclusive future in sports and society.
One-Pot Cooking Success
Our In the Mixer one-pot cooking programme emerged as an innovative approach to addressing food insecurity and building community resilience. Hosted at Clincarthill Parish Church, the programme went far beyond simple cooking lessons.
Key achievements included:
– Supporting 10 local families facing food insecurity
– Teaching practical cooking and nutrition skills
– Creating a supportive, therapeutic learning environment
– Providing families with tools to cook nutritious, budget-friendly meals
Participants reported tangible benefits, from children trying new vegetables to parents gaining confidence in the kitchen. One parent noted her 7-year-old ate vegetables for the first time, while another appreciated learning money-saving cooking strategies.
The Spiders Win the SWPL2
The Spiders SWPL2 team exemplified our commitment to sporting excellence and community pride. Their championship victory – a remarkable 6-1 win over Stirling University – was about more than just a trophy. It represented the culmination of strategic planning, dedicated training, and team spirit.
The win was particularly special as it:
– Showcased the team’s near-perfect season record
– Highlighted strategic leadership from Manager Craig Joyce
– Celebrated individual performances, including Ellie Kane and Megan Quigley’s standout performances
– Brought together our boys and girls community teams, with young players witnessing and celebrating the victory
Kiltwalk - £3,318 Raised
The Glasgow Kiltwalk demonstrated the incredible spirit of community support. Our team’s 14-mile journey from Clydebank to Balloch raised £3,318, with additional support from Laurie Ross Insurance pushing the total even higher.
More than just a fundraising event, the Kiltwalk:
– Built team spirit and camaraderie
– Raised crucial funds for our programmes
– Connected us with supporters and community members
– Showcased the Foundation’s commitment to making a difference
The Foundation Struck Gold
Over the past year the Foundation has made significant strides in the operating department, being granted the Silver quality mark, soon followed on the Gold quality mark from Scottish FA. Improvements on structure, planning, development, and player welfare have played equally contributing parts in achieving these long-standing objectives of the Foundation.
We would like to take this space to thank each and every person involved with the Foundation, past or present. Our community teams, parents, teachers, volunteers, staff, partnership schools, and the club – thank you!
Education Department Photo-Week
At the end of November, we joined our Education Department’s delivery of the wide-range of programmes running in numerous Primary Schools in both the local and surrounding area.
We caught up with our Disney Playmakers superstars at St. Brides, St. Convals, King’s Park, Pollokshields, Cuthbertson, and St Mirins. Lots of exciting learning, skill development, and empowerment through the wonder of football. Our youngsters use the power of Disney’s characters and creations to teach football to girls, helping develop confidence, balance, agility, and dribbling.
Our Extra Time programme is in full swing after funding was continued for a second year by the Scottish Government. Inspiring Play and Learning for Southside Pupils The Foundation’s programme brings fun, creativity, and exploration to Glasgow Southside pupils through engaging indoor and outdoor sessions. From storytelling and interactive play to games and team-building, the activities foster curiosity, social skills, and well-being—helping children grow and thrive.
Code Quest is a new programme for this term time, taking place at Cuthbertson Primary School and gives youngsters the chance to experience the magic of coding through fun and interactive games.
