Network Rail and Scottish FA to impact additional 90,000 youths with rail safety workshops

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Network Rail and the Scottish Football Association have renewed their collaborative effort to enhance rail safety awareness among Scotland’s youth.

For the upcoming three years, the Scottish FA is set to host football camps aimed at instructing young individuals on railway safety and the risks associated with anti-social activities.

Since its inception six years ago, the initiative has positively impacted nearly 140,000 young people, with an additional 3,600 sessions scheduled to occur by 2027.

Liam Sumpter, Route Director for Network Rail Scotland, said: “It’s great to see our partnership with the Scottish FA go from strength to strength.

“The way they communicate our safety messaging in a fun, active and educational environment is inspiring and makes a real difference to helping us run a safe railway.

“We always try to think of new ways to influence young people on the dangers on the railway. Our message is simple – stay safe, stay off the tracks.”

Andy Gould, Chief Football Officer for the Scottish FA, said: “At the Scottish FA, we regularly talk about the power that football possesses to transform lives and inspire the nation, and our partnership with Network Rail over the last six years has been a wonderful example of football transcending the pitch to make a tangible impact in Scottish society.

“Through this longstanding partnership we have engaged thousands of children with our national game through these football camps, exposing them to the myriad physical and mental wellbeing benefits offered by football and instilling in them a sense of responsibility through vital rail safety messaging delivered by Network Rail.

“We look forward to continuing this invaluable collaboration with Network Rail to continue to inspire children through football and in turn positively impacting society in a variety of amazing ways.”

In the football workshops, every participant is given a branded bib that promotes safety messages and engages in a discussion led by a Scottish FA coach about the risks of trespassing and the importance of railway safety.

Approximately 30,000 participants in the safety workshops have been girls, while nearly 110,000 have been boys.

By August 2026, Scotland’s Railway aims to extend its safety messages to at least an additional 90,000 youths.

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