Friday Night Lights: Changing lives through sport in Edinburgh

At Places for People Scotland, we believe in building thriving Communities where everyone has the opportunity to grow, connect, and feel supported. One initiative that embodies this vision is Friday Night Lights, a programme that has become a lifeline for young people in Niddrie and Craigmillar.

A safe space for Edinburgh’s young people

Every Friday evening, young people aged 9 and above come together at Friday Night Lights to play football, rugby, and other sports. But this programme is about so much more than games. It’s a safe space where young people can build friendships, grow in confidence, and access support when they need it most.

For some, it’s an escape from challenges at home. For others, it’s a chance to stay active, learn teamwork, and feel part of something bigger. With youth workers and pastoral support on hand, including the much-loved "Scran Van" providing hot food, Friday Night Lights is transforming lives one session at a time.

Making a difference

Funded by a £3,000 grant from our Community Investment Fund, the programme regularly welcomes over 50 young people each week. Its impact has been profound:

• Breaking barriers: One-to-one mentoring helps young people at risk of falling into anti-social behaviour find positive pathways forward.
• Building trust: Collaboration with Police Scotland, Edinburgh Leisure, and local organisations has fostered a sense of trust and security in the Community.
• Providing warmth and care: For many, the Scran Van is more than just a source of hot meals—it’s a symbol of care and connection.

But the work doesn’t stop there. With a further £4,216 grant from the Places Foundation awaiting approval, we aim to enhance the programme with more resources for food provision and pastoral support.

Expanding support across Edinburgh

Friday Night Lights isn’t the only initiative we’re proud to support. The Castlebrae Community Sport Hub also plays a vital role in creating opportunities for young people in Edinburgh. Located at Castlebrae High School, it offers an alternative to anti-social behaviour through sports and youth engagement.

The hub, supported by youth workers and local police, provides young people with a safe environment to develop skills, stay active, and feel part of their Community. Together, these programmes are making a tangible difference in the lives of Edinburgh’s young people.

Why it matters

In Communities like Niddrie and Craigmillar, where opportunities can feel limited, initiatives like Friday Night Lights offer hope. They provide young people with a safe space to grow, a chance to feel seen and valued, and a brighter outlook for the future. For parents, they offer peace of mind knowing their children are in good hands. For the Community, they bring people closer together.

Looking ahead

At Places for People Scotland, we’re committed to doing more. With the support of our partners and the dedication of local organisations, we’ll continue to invest in projects like Friday Night Lights and the Castlebrae Community Sport Hub to ensure every young person in Edinburgh has the opportunity to thrive.

If you’d like to learn more about Friday Night Lights or support our work in Edinburgh, please visit our Community Impact Page. Together, we can create a brighter future for everyone.