Wednesday July 15th 2026
The Body & Sole project, funded by the Incorporation of Cordiners of Glasgow and delivered in partnership with Glasgow City Council’s PEPASS (Physical Education, Physical Activity and School Sport) Team
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Catherine Hunter
Children and young people throughout Glasgow have benefited from more than 9000 pairs of shoes as the world’s biggest football tournament continues across the pond.
The Body & Sole project, funded by the Incorporation of Cordiners of Glasgow and delivered in partnership with Glasgow City Council’s PEPASS (Physical Education, Physical Activity and School Sport) Team, is helping remove one of the biggest barriers to participation in sport; the cost of footwear.
Now in its ninth year, the initiative has provided vital support to children and young people across Glasgow schools, ensuring they have access to appropriate footwear for physical education and physical activity school sport.
To date, the programme has received more than £142,000 in funding which equates to more than 9000 pairs of shoes, helping ensure that young people do not miss out on taking part in sport due to financial pressures at home.
By providing the right kit, the programme helps build confidence, improve wellbeing and open up opportunities for participation, for the young people.
Across Glasgow, schools identify pupils who would benefit from support, ensuring help is targeted where it is needed most. The result allows more young people taking part in PE lessons, after-school clubs and grassroots sport, and outdoor activities.
In addition to trainers, more recently funds have been used to purchase walking boots, jazz shoes, roller boots and welly boots, where schools have specific activities taking place.
Councillor Christina Cannon, city convenor for education and early years, said; “Body & Sole is giving young people across Glasgow the confidence, opportunity and equipment they need to get active.
“We know that something as simple as not having the right footwear or only having one pair of shoes can prevent a child from taking part in PE or joining in games, alongside their friends. This seemingly small barrier can have a huge impact on a young person in lots of different ways including becoming withdrawn, having their confidence dented or feeling stigmatised, in addition to not wanting to take part.
“Thanks to the longstanding support of the Incorporation of Cordiners, we are able to help young people participate, build their confidence and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that physical activity brings.”
Deacon Alison Culpan, from the Incorporation of Cordiners, added: “The Incorporation of Cordiners has a proud history of supporting communities in Glasgow, and this project reflects our roots in footwear while making a difference in the lives of the city’s young people, who need it most.
“Body & Sole is about more than simply providing shoes, it’s about giving young people the opportunity to belong and to thrive, through sport and activity.
“As we go into our tenth year next year I hope that we can make the largest award we’ve ever made to help even more young people in Glasgow.”
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