Football's Back - But When Will We See A Return To Supporting?

Fans around the country have been desperate to get back into stadiums since the summer, but other than the two successful test events last month it looks like we are still some way from this being possible.

Much has been said about the inconsistency in approach when comparing Scottish football to games elsewhere, and to other leisure and entertainment industries - but as frustrating and confusing as this is, our health and safety must continue to be prioritised. We will continue to push for the return of fans, but in ways that protect us all.

The impact on our clubs has already been massive, and the longer that restrictions continue the more their survival will be threatened. Financial support is vital in order for them to get through this, and also bear the increased costs of keeping their stadiums safe for players and staff while matches are being played without us there.

BeGambleAware

Last month we began our partnership with BeGambleAware for their Safer Gambling campaign “Bet Regret”.

We have incorporated this campaign into our social media channels, and you will have hopefully seen a number of video clips timed to go out at key moments within each week. It's particularly important to step back and think before betting, and the campaign encourages us to "tap out" of our betting apps to give us time to consider whether we really want to place that bet.

We're at particular risk of "bet regret" when we're drunk, bored, or chasing losses. Think about your own habits - are there times when you wish you had pressed pause before betting?

There are a number of tips and tools available on the Bet Regret landing page, ranging from setting limits on time and money and reminding all of us of the importance of taking a break. Watch this space for more news about the partnership, and check out the latest Bet Regret work here.

SD Scotland AGM

Our AGM will be held on Sunday 22nd November at 12 noon.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on face-to-face meetings, we will hold the AGM online for the first time, but still hope to have a great conversation with our members and are lining up some external presenters to share news from other parts of the network we are part of.

Details of the AGM will be with our member organisations within the coming weeks, and we would love to see as many of our individual Associate members on the day. If you would like to join you can do so by supporting us through our Patreon programme.

Environmental Sustainability in Scottish Football

The Scottish FA and Zero Waste Scotland have teamed up to offer free environmental support to football clubs across the country, with ZWS directly assisting them to:

• identify ways of reducing energy, recycling, water and waste management costs
• become more eco-friendly through the reduction of operational carbon emissions
• potential access to interest-free loan funding of up to £100,000 to implement improvement measures such as more efficient heating, lighting, insulation or projects that reduce waste costs or maximize recycling

Further details can be found via this article on the Scottish FA website and as part of the project they have also created a new resource - Environmental Sustainability in Scottish Football - this document covers a range of related topics and useful information on how clubs can adopt sustainable practices as well as providing some case studies of best practice across Europe.

Due to the challenging circumstances affecting the game at present, any opportunities for clubs to save on costs, access resource and implement measures that may result in them operating with more sustainable practices are widely welcomed and we’re delighted that this project offers clubs additional support while having a positive impact on Scotland.

Earlier this year we produced a short video on how Scottish football can help the environment. We heard this week that one club - Raith Rovers - has since moved over to recycled paper for its matchday programme, and have also introduced an e-bulletin each week. Simple things make a difference!

And finally...

Articles, podcasts and videos from the archive

As part of our objective to better connect fans, share best practice within Scottish sport, to promote supporter dialogue and promote sport clubs through which positive societal change can occur, here we share some relevant stories from the past month.

1. SPFL/SFA Need To Be Smarter When Arguing To Bring Fans Back
2. Can We Have A Government Help Out Scheme For Lower League Football?
3. Europa Success, League Cup Crisis & An Innovative Twitch
4. Fans Still Need To Be Patient Despite This Weekends Pilot Events
5. We Need To Support Oli McBurnie!
6. SD Scotland join BeGambleAware as a partner for Safer Gambling
7. Dunfermline Athletic to be acquired by German investment group

You can also check out our back catalogue of podcast episodes and subscribe to Behind The Goals using your favoured ‘podcatcher’ here.

We all have our matchday rituals, and can't wait to get back to them!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more!

Supporters Direct Scotland are committed to helping football supporters enjoy responsible gambling; for many this is an integral part of their match day experience.

We have selected GamCare as our recommended support service for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. GamCare operate the National Gambling Helpline (whose advisers are available on 0808 8020 133 or via web chat at www.gamcare.org), provide treatment for problem gamblers and their families, create awareness about responsible gambling and treatment, and encourage an effective approach to responsible gambling within the gambling industry.