Caledonia Gladiators
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Caledonia Gladiators Women are on the brink of history as they travel to London this weekend to compete for the top spot in the Super League Basketball Playoffs – marking the first time a professional Scottish women’s basketball team has reached this stage of the British league.
After an outstanding regular season, Scottish’s professional basketball team narrowly missed out on the league’s top position, finishing level on points with long-standing rivals Sheffield Hatters. Now, the stage is set for a decisive showdown, as the Scottish side look to overturn their rivals and claim ultimate glory.
The matchup carries added significance following February’s SLB Trophy Final, where the Gladiators suffered a tough defeat to Sheffield Hatters. With that result still fresh, the team heads into this weekend with renewed determination and a point to prove.
Their route to the final has been nothing short of dramatic. The Gladiators secured an 87–82 comeback victory over Manchester Basketball on 3 May in a thrilling quarter-final, overturning a deficit in the final minutes. They followed this with an impressive 80-58 semi-final win over Essex Rebels on 10 May, booking their place in the final.
Now, as they head to the 02 in London, the first time any Scottish women’s team has reached the Playoff Finals, the women are ready to go head-to-head with Sheffield Hatters following their 85-64 win against Oakland Wolves.
Last season delivered a landmark achievement for the club, with the Gladiators lifting the SLB Trophy – the first major silverware ever won by a Scottish women’s basketball team.
Based in East Kilbride, the franchise has continued its upward trajectory, delivering a consistently strong campaign and building momentum both on and off the court. Attendances at Playsport Arena have surged, with record crowds of over 1,000 fans at both Playoff home fixtures – highlighting the growing appetite for elite women’s basketball in Scotland.
The squad blends international experience with a strong Scottish core, with half of the roster made up of homegrown talent. Players from Canada, France, and the United States complete a dynamic and competitive lineup.
Head Coach Chantelle Handy said: “This group has shown incredible resilience and belief all season. To reach this stage is a huge moment not just for the club, but for women’s basketball in Scotland. We know what’s at stake, and after February, the players are hungry to put things right. We’re ready for the challenge.”
Tony McDaid, CEO of Caledonia Gladiators, added: “What this team has achieved already is historic, but there’s a real sense that this is just the beginning. The growth we’re seeing in performances, in fan support, and in visibility for the women’s game is something everyone connected to the club is incredibly proud of. This weekend is a chance to make history yet again and continue to grow as we build a basketball nation in Scotland.”
Caledonia Gladiators Women take on Sheffield Hatters at 1.30pm on Sunday, 17 May 2026 at the London O2.
The 2026 World Cup starts on June 11
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The UK Government has urged football fans to guard against scams when buying match tickets for the upcoming FIFA World Cup – which kicks off next month – as newly-released data from Lloyds reveals football ticket scams increased over a third (36%) during the current Premier League football season.
The findings, based on thousands of scam cases between October 2025 and March 2026, show fraudsters focus heavily on popular teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. Scammers also repeatedly target supporters looking for tickets to some of the most in‑demand football matches in the UK, such as the FA Cup Final and Champions League Final.
With the World Cup, hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico, set to be the most spectated football event, it’s anticipated that fraudsters will target the big-name fixtures and attempt to exploit international demand.
On average victims lost £215 during the current Premier League football season, but some fans paid hundreds or even thousands of pounds for ‘season tickets’ or VIP seats that never existed. Hopeful football fans are expected to pay much more for expensive World Cup tickets, meaning the potential loss for victims could be devastating – especially for those forking out on extra costs to travel across the pond.
The government and Lloyds are teaming up once again to highlight the issue to football supporters, as part of the Stop! Think Fraud campaign. Led by the Home Office and supported by partners across law enforcement, banking, tech, retail and the charity sector, the campaign empowers individuals and small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves from fraud.
Lord Hanson, Minister for Fraud, said:
“As excitement builds for the World Cup, fraudsters are preparing to exploit loyal fans searching for tickets. I urge all football supporters hunting for tickets to Stop! Think Fraud and show fraudsters the red card. Only buy directly from FIFA or the FIFA Resale Marketplace. Missing out on a big match is disappointing, but becoming a victim to a scam makes it even harder to bear.
“Our new fraud strategy sets out how we will use every tool at our disposal to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations, bring fraudsters to justice and strengthen support for victims.”
Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director, Lloyds said:
“Fraudsters thrive on urgency and target fans looking for hard‑to‑get tickets for big‑name fixtures. Most of the football ticket scams we see start on social media – especially Facebook and Instagram – before the criminal moves the buyer onto WhatsApp and insists on a bank transfer to pay. It’s incredibly convincing, and we don’t want fans to lose their money trying to support their team. We’re urging supporters to stay alert and stick to official ticketing channels.”
Most football ticket scams begin on social media. Criminals advertise a spare ticket, then shift the conversation to WhatsApp, where victims are pushed to make a bank transfer. Once the money is sent, the scammer blocks the buyer and disappears.
With the 2026 Men’s World Cup just one month away, Lloyds and the Home Office are taking action to protect fans by highlighting how criminals will try to exploit the excitement.
Scammers know demand will be huge and will mimic the methods seen in club‑level scams: fake listings on social media, pressure to act quickly and requests for bank transfers. Fraudsters move quickly, creating fake waiting lists, counterfeit QR codes or bogus “pre‑release” offers to lure people in.
Practical advice: Liz Ziegler’s tip for avoiding football ticket scams
Take your time
If you’re offered tickets for a match that’s in high demand, don’t let the fear of missing out make you rush your decision. Stop, think, and check if the offer is genuine.
Be careful with social media adverts, especially on marketplace platforms
If you see a last-minute ticket post on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, pause to consider whether it’s legitimate. Do some research and consult family or friends before proceeding.
Don’t pay by bank transfer
Genuine ticket retailers never ask for payment by bank transfer, but fraudsters do as it’s fast and hard to trace. Treat requests for bank transfers as a major warning sign, especially if the account details do not match the seller’s name.
Be wary of “too good to be true” offers
Derbies, European fixtures, and World Cup matches are magnets for scammers promising tickets that no one else can supply. If an offer seems unrealistic, it probably is.
Use official club channels or authorised sellers
For major events like the World Cup, only trust the tournament’s official ticketing platforms or club-approved sellers to ensure your purchase is safe. Don’t forget that artificial intelligence (AI) can help criminals to create professional content. Just because it has a good layout and graphics, doesn’t mean it is legitimate.
Be cautious of pressure tacticsBe cautious of classic pressure phrases like “lots of interest”, “I’ll send the QR code after payment”, or “I need to sell right now”. Scammers often use urgency to push you into making hasty decisions.
Report Fraud
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud is encouraged to report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Ewan Hornell
Hibs fail to close the gap on Motherwell after another red card sees them fall to a 2-1 defeat to Celtic, as Kelechi Iheanacho stars off the bench and they move level on points with Hearts.
Media coverage this week has been dominated by suggestions that Hibs would be comfortable losing today -anything to help hinder Hearts chances at the title. David Gray dismissed these claims midweek, and they hold even less weight now after Motherwell’s defeat yesterday reopened the European window Hibs thought had slammed shut.
Despite their unconvincing performances, Celtic have reestablished themselves as Hearts’ primary challengers. A win today would take them level on points at the top and mount even more pressure on the tie at Tynecastle tomorrow evening.
Despite Gray’s confidence in his sides desire to win, the empty seats and flat home crowd were reflective of a fan base unbothered by today’s outcome.
It did not take long for Celtic to establish early control with slick passing passages that left Hibs nothing to do but chase shadows.
Yang and Tounekti on the Celtic wings were the focal point of their early offense. A clear game plan devised for them to operate in the open space left behind Hibs’ wingbacks.
And, it was Yang who manufactured Celtics first chance of the contest. The South Korean stepped in front of Jack Iredale catching him waiting on the ball and drove into the box He squared it to the oncoming Benjamin Nygren, who’s effort was only denied by a sliding Rocky Bushiri.
The away sides early supremacy was rewarded with a numerical advantage in the 21st minute as discipline issues once again plagued Hibs. Jamie McGrath was initially awarded a yellow card for a mistimed, sliding challenge on Alistair Johnston. But, after a VAR check the referees decision was upgraded to red – Hibs’ fourth in their last three games.
A man up and in complete control Celtic continued to threaten the Hibs backline.
In the 24th minute it was Yang once more creating havoc. He wrapped a pass from inside his own half around the Hibs defence, sending Daizen Maeda through on goal. However, the Japanese striker was wasteful with his strike, blasting it over the bar.
Not long after, Jamie Smith in the Hibs goal was forced into action, diving to his left to keep out Benjamin Nygren’s sweeping left footed strike.
Celtic finally made good on their first half dominance in the 43rd minute. Just like all their other positive first half play it stemmed from out wide but this time it was fullback Alistair Johnston at the crux of the move. Johnston played a series of sharp one twos, leaving him in behind the exposed Hibs backline. From there he was left with a simple task: square it across goal to the free Daizen Maeda for a simple tap in. And despite the goal initially being given offside, VAR deemed it legitimate and Celtic took the lead.
In over 45 minutes of first half play Hibs had not threatened once. But in a bizarre turn of events they found themselves level in first half stoppage time.
A deep Nicky Cadden cross was met with a looping header back across goal. Viljamii Sinisalo in the Celtic goal rushed out to try and get a fist to it. He was unable to find his way through a sea of bodies. The ball dropped to Hibs skipper, Joe Newell, who poked it into the net left empty by Sinisalo to make it 1-1.
The goal was subject to two VAR checks – passing both. A controversial call after the ball appeared to have struck Newell’s hand in the build-up.
So, despite being second best in the first half Hibs entered half time level.
Celtic began the second half with the same possessional authority of the first.
Even with wave after wave of attacks, the ten-man Hibs defensive shell did its upmost to remain resolute, denying the away side any significant possibilities of a chance at goal.
But, with so many shirts behind the ball Hibs had no attacking outlet. Owen Elding was left isolated up front with the thankless task of chasing lost causes and trying to fend of a swarm of Celtic shirts anytime he touched the ball.
Another Celtic goal seemed inevitable but with the clock ticking down Martin O’Neill turned to his bench to try and break the deadlock and just like he did in the Scottish Cup Semi Final, Kelechi Iheanacho had the answers.
Iheanacho was the most composed player on the pitch, calmy letting the ball spiral down from his chest and slotting it home with a left footed finish to put Celtic back in front.
Hibs nearly found another unexpected equaliser late but, Ante Suto’s volley in the 89th minute flashed into the side netting and behind for a goal kick.
Here’s what David Gray had to say about another red card, his side’s defeat and the challenging prospect of catching Motherwell with only three games remaining:
‘I can’t defend the red card. There is no malice in it, it is not intentional but its definite red card.
‘I spoke about all week about giving yourself the best possible chance to win but to do that you need to keep all eleven players on the pitch.
‘I can’t criticise the players that remained on the pitch because they gave everything.
‘We changed shape at halftime and made a couple of changes, if you stay in a back four they’ll put you in a back five and even a back six very quickly, and I thought that worked very well and nullified Celtic to shots from distance.
‘The bit that frustrates me is the two goals we lose are avoidable with ten-men.
‘We are aware of the challenge that faces us, we are back in a situation were we are relying on Motherwell to drop points for us to catch them and we will probably need three wins.’
All attention now turns to a massive away fixture for Hibs next week as they travel to Falkirk who now only sit two points behind them. Whilst Hibs’ focus may still be on catching Motherwell the Bairns are breathing awfully close down their necks.
Militsa Milenkova, who designed the medals
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games prize medal was revealed yesterday, featuring a world-first inclusive design inspired by Glasgow’s iconic landmarks and coat of arms.
he reveal took place at a special event held at The Glasgow School of Art (GSA), attended by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who is Vice-Patron of Commonwealth Sport.
215 gold medals will be awarded across 10 sports and six Para sports, when the Games return to Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August, in the biggest sporting competition in the UK this summer. 47 gold medals will be awarded in Para sports alone, making it the largest Para sport programme in Games’ history.
Designed in secret by award-winning artist, designer and maker, and GSA Artist in Residence Militsa Milenkova, the Glasgow 2026 medal takes the form of a Reuleaux triangle, a distinctive geometric shape that sets it apart from any prize medal seen before.
Its design draws deep inspiration from city’s coat of arms and rich landscape; the Finnieston Crane, the industrial heritage and cultural traditions that define Glasgow’s identity are all woven into its structural detailing.
For the first time in Games’ history, the medal includes braille and tactile elements, ensuring inclusion is a tangible and felt experience.
Militsa was selected to design the medals following a collaboration between Glasgow 2026 and The Glasgow School of Art, with the School’s Silversmithing and Jewellery artists in residence being invited to submit concepts for the prize medal design to a panel made up of representatives from Commonwealth Sport, Glasgow 2026, The Glasgow School of Art, the medal fabricator and an independent jewellery and silversmithing expert.
Talking about the process and her design Militsa, who is originally from Bulgaria, said: “I really wanted to be involved in designing the medals as to me this place is my chosen home. I wanted to try and portray this into something that will become a symbol for the Games and all the people who take part in it. I thought it would be a really nice way to put my connection with the city into the design.
“I designed the medal to be a standout edition of the Commonwealth Games medals. I wanted it to be something that the athletes would resonate with. When I was thinking about the design, I wanted to try and fit Glasgow into one shape and to do that I was naturally drawn to the symbol of the city – the coat of arms. That’s where I took the distinctive shape from.
“I then started to play around with my ideas, using the Finnieston Crane and the shapes from it and how that also reminds me of the tartan. I wanted to include that as well as it’s a symbol of national identity for Scotland. The triangular shapes that I have on the surface of the medal come from the top of the crane and the texture represents the tartan.
“There are three surface levels representing the podiums that athletes step on to – which is possibly the biggest moment of their lives. And I wanted to make inclusion tangible; I’m so proud that the design is tactile and accessible with details expressed in braille on the prize medal for the very first time.”
The medal is one of several key visual and ceremonial elements of Glasgow 2026 which have been designed and created by local artists. The Official Tartan of the Games was designed by Siobhan Mackenzie, one of Scotland’s leading textile designers, whilst the Longines Countdown Clock, located in Central Station, was designed by another GSA graduate Agnes Jones. The 74 King’s Batons which are travelling across the Commonwealth before arriving in Glasgow ahead of the Opening Ceremony, were designed and created by Tim Norman at GalGael, the Glasgow social enterprise rooted in craft and community.
Together, these commissions reflect a commitment by Glasgow 2026 to place local creativity at the heart of the Games, ensuring that Glasgow 2026 is not simply hosted in the city, but shaped by it.
George Black CBE, Chair, Glasgow 2026, said: “The Prize Medal is the ultimate symbol of what our athletes are competing for this summer and we wanted it to be truly worthy of that moment. Militsa has created something extraordinary, rooted in Glasgow’s story, bold in its design and meaningful in its commitment to inclusion. Inclusion is at the heart of Glasgow 2026, with the largest Para sport programme in a Games history, fully integrated in the competition. For the first time, every athlete standing on that podium will hold a medal that speaks to who they are and what these Games stand for.
“The medal is part of a wider commitment to local artists and makers that runs through the fabric of these Games. From the Official Tartan to the King’s Baton and the Longines Countdown Clock, we have worked with Glasgow’s creative community to shape the look and feel of Glasgow 2026, because this is a Clyde-built Games in every sense.”
Reacting to seeing the medal for the first time, Swimmer Duncan Scott OBE, Scotland’s most decorated athlete, said “I like the shape of it; don’t get many medals in that shape. It’s really cool and the braille is a nice touch. I get pretty excited looking at medals. They remind you of moments and the memories at certain championships.
“The medal is always the goal of the sport but the medal is so much more than that. People will flock in their thousands to come and watch the swimming but it’s more than just the moment of the swimming. It’s the days of the training, the weeks, months, years leading into that, so for it to be symbolised in something pretty cool like this is quite special.”
Dr Donald Rakure, President, Commonwealth Sport, said: “Today’s medal reveal really brings home what Glasgow 2026 is all about – a reimagined Games where we’re not afraid to do things differently. Militsa has created a medal that athletes across the Commonwealth will be striving to win and proud to wear.
“Accessibility has been central to the design priorities throughout. The medal has been created around inclusivity, with every detail carefully considered, from the braille and the tactile elements to the three-tiered structure and distinctive shape. It will be instantly recognisable and even among a lifetime of achievements, athletes will know straight away that this is Glasgow 2026.”
Professor Penny Macbeth, Director and Principal, The Glasgow School of Art, said: “As a designer and maker at the start of her career, today marks a truly significant milestone for Militsa. Seeing her medal design brought to life and now in production—soon to be held by athletes from across the Commonwealth – is something very special.
“Glasgow 2026’s commitment and enthusiasm in partnering with The Glasgow School of Art on one of the most important elements of the Games has created a unique and potentially career-defining opportunity for Militsa. We are immensely proud of her and all that she has achieved.”
To find out more and purchase your ticket visit www.glasgow2026.com.
A new clubhouse is planned to be built alongside a football pitch in Tollcross (credit: Framed Estates Ltd)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
A new football pitch and community hub could be created in the east end under a plan to revitalise an “underused” site.
Finnart Football Academy has asked Glasgow City Council for permission to develop Amulree recreation ground in Tollcross.
Plans include a 3G synthetic pitch, a clubhouse, which could be used for community functions, and a parking area.
It is hoped the project would “facilitate year-round use of the park”.
A currently “derelict” play area would be used for the clubhouse, which would include changing rooms for sports teams, and the pitch would be created on an “unused” grass park.
Standing terraces are planned for spectators during games and the clubhouse is expected to provide “large community learning spaces all year round”.
According to the application, the site is “currently underused and derelict in areas but with this development it will be revitalised to provide a much-needed local facility”.
“It will retain the existing open spaces and encourage more use by the local community,” the plans add.
“The proposal is for a synthetic pitch to replace the existing natural pitch. This will represent a significant improvement to the existing facility allowing for year-round use.”
The application adds a second phase of development could be carried out in future to “further enhance the leisure provision”.
An operating plan shows the pitch and community centre would operate from Monday to Friday between 9am and 10pm, and from 8am to 9.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.
During weekdays, 9am to 3pm would be primarily allocated to community groups and partner organisations. After 3pm, it would be used by schools, Finnart and other local football teams.
It would then “continue to support community groups and football teams” at the weekend. Fencing and floodlighting would be installed to support evening use and provide “a degree of protection from damage and vandalism ensuring it’s kept in good order for community use”.
The plans state 47 parking spaces would be provided.
An indoor padel facility is planned in Port Dundas (image from plans)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
A new padel centre is set to open in Glasgow after securing permission from council planners.
Glasgow City Council has approved a plan to convert an industrial warehouse in Port Dundas to provide four courts, a café, shop, changing space and spectator seating.
It will operate as a franchise of Game4Padel, a brand which already has two sites around Glasgow and over 20 more across the UK.
The application claimed the Borron Street centre will “meet public demand” for the “fast-growing” sport.
Padel is a racket sport, similar to tennis, played on an enclosed court. Balls can be hit off the court walls like in squash.
The new facility is expected to operate from 7am to 10pm seven days per week.
A report by council planners stated the company has “confirmed the occupancy capacity would be around 40 people based on 16 players, 16 people waiting to play, two members of staff and additional spectators”.
The applicant is planning to create footpaths connecting car parking areas to the entrance of the centre to “alleviate safety concerns”. Lighting will also be installed.
The plans stated: “The proposal includes four indoor padel courts, a reception and café, a retail shop, lockers, and spectator seating.”
It added the firm plans to “retain and upgrade the existing sanitary provision, providing an additional one WC to meet the increased capacity”.
Provost Drew McKenzie and Gourock Highland Games chieftain Cameron McGerr with Finnie
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Inverclyde will welcome Finnie, the official mascot of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, to the Gourock Highland Games next month.
The colourful unicorn mascot, designed by Glasgow school pupils, will be on site at Battery Park on Sunday 10 May to take in the amazing sights and sounds of the first Highland Games of the Scottish season – and meet lots of locals and visitors enjoying the games.
Provost Drew McKenzie said Finnie would have a great time at the flagship Inverclyde event.
He said: “The Gourock Highland Games is a fantastic day out, as everyone in Inverclyde already knows.
“I’m sure Finnie will receive a warm Inverclyde welcome and will have a great time at another successful Gourock Highland Games.”
Finnie will be joined at Battery Park by her friends at Glasgow 2026’s Big Ticket Drop-In, who are inviting fans to answer a series of fun personality questions – from favourite meals to dream holidays – to discover their ideal sport on the Glasgow 2026 programme
Finnie said: “I’m super excited to skip along to the Gourock Highland Games and meet lots of new faces.
“I’m not quite brave enough to try the caber toss yet, but I might give the hammer throw a go, especially since it’s going to be part of the Athletics and Para Athletics at Glasgow 2026 too. I also can’t wait to find out what sport everyone gets in the Big Ticket Quiz. See you in Battery Park!”
Glasgow 2026 is the largest sporting event in the UK this year, taking place from 23 July to 2 August with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories set to compete in a world-class programme of 10 sports and six Para sports in four iconic venues across the city. You can be part of the unforgettable moments that will define this summer, with tickets on sale now at www.glasgow2026.com.
This year’s Gourock Highland Games take place in Battery Park on Sunday 10 May from 12noon till 6pm and are completely free to attend.
They are the first of the Scottish season and are organised in partnership with the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA).
Charlie Murray, former president of the RSHGA and heavies competition organiser said: “As past President of the RSHGA it once again gives me great pleasure to work with the events team at Inverclyde to deliver the 2026 Gourock Highland Games, which is the opening event of the Highland Games Season.
“The event is held at Battery Park, a stunning venue on the banks of the River Clyde.
“Over the course of the day, visitors will see competitors both male and female competing in traditional heavy events like hammer throw, shot put, weight throw and caber toss as well as the Highland dancing and pipe band competitions. Visitors will also be able to visit and purchase from the wide range of stalls and can enjoy the wide array of food stalls selling a wide range of delicacies.”
The games will include traditional heavy events like tossing the caber and hammer throwing, including the unique Kempock Stone. The event will also include Highland dancing and pipe band competitions, finishing with the iconic pipers march past to close the games.
Battery Park will be full of arts and crafts stalls featuring creative makers from across Scotland, local traders and community groups. There will also be a great selection of street food, baked goods and drinks with something for all tastes.
The culture and heritage marquee will have a wide range of activities suitable for all ages including popular Bookbug sessions for wee ones and their families; Love Your Library where you can find out all about what your local library has to offer; Love Local Heritage will explore the history of Gourock Outdoor Pool and also commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Greenock Blitz with a silent disco featuring 1940s music; and Highland folk tales with Archaeology Scotland.
There will be a new birds of prey stand and local Scouts will be serving up hot drinks and treats in the tea tent.
Inverclyde Active Schools’ mini Highland Games will involve youngsters from local schools, and there will be fun for the whole family including fair rides, a climbing wall, bungee trampolines and more.
Campaigning school pupil Cameron McGerr is the chieftain for the 2026 Gourock Highland Games.
The 16-year-old Clydeview Academy student has been campaigning to introduce CPR to secondary school pupils since he lost his parents, Lynne and Kevin to heart conditions.
He took his campaign all the way to the Scottish Parliament when he addressed MSPs in the chamber last September.
For all the latest on the 2026 Gourock Highland Games visit www.discoverinverclyde.com.
Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 school's programme
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
With just three months to go until the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, excitement is building in classrooms and youth spaces across Scotland as children and young people take a leading role in the countdown through the Glasgow 2026 Schools Programme.
Launched this spring, the free nationwide programme invites every school and youth organisation in Scotland to get inspired, get active and get involved as Glasgow prepares to welcome athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the Glasgow 2026 Schools Programme supports learners of all ages and stages, with flexible activities that can be delivered in classrooms, assemblies, playgrounds and youth settings.
The programme offers a wide range of hands-on learning resources, creative projects and leadership opportunities. Pupils can explore the cultures of the Commonwealth, take on leadership roles within their schools, connect with Team Scotland athletes and take part in Games themed challenges. All resources are fully funded and curriculum linked, developed in partnership with organisations including Sports Governing Bodies, Sporting Memories, the British Council, Youth Sport Trust, Glasgow City Council and the Royal Commonwealth Society.
The programme will also play an important role to ensure the legacy of Glasgow 2026 is realised long after the final medal is awarded. The power of this lasting impact is demonstrated by Glasgow primary teacher, Jacqueline Hart.
Inspired by her performance at the Glasgow 2014 closing ceremony before taking part in Active East, a legacy programme that created meaningful opportunities for young people in Glasgow’s East End, Jacqueline is delighted to see the Games return to Glasgow. As a primary teacher using the Glasgow 2026 resources, Jacqueline is inspiring a new generation, bringing the excitement and opportunity into her classroom ahead of the Games in July.
To mark three months to go, the Glasgow 2026 Schools team visited John Paul II Primary School in Castlemilk to see the Schools Programme in action. Pupils are among the first to experience Finnie’s brand new ‘Brain Break’ video, a fun, inclusive and high energy introduction to every Glasgow 2026 sport and Para sport, designed to bring the excitement of the Games into classrooms, youth spaces and living rooms.
The visit is supported by Cameron Lynn, a Team Scotland Gymnast who competed at Birmingham 2022 and hopes to secure his spot representing his country at Glasgow 2026. Cameron is a big advocate for young people participating in sport and who during his visit shared his personal sporting journey with pupils, encouraging them to dream big, try new activities and follow their ambitions as the Games approach.
Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive Glasgow 2026, said:
“The Glasgow 2026 Schools Programme is really bringing the Games to life in classrooms and youth settings across Scotland. It’s important that Scotland’s young people feel part of these Games and the Glasgow 2026 Schools Programme is a great way of making that happen. The programme gives young people the opportunity to learn about the cultures that make up the Commonwealth, increase participation in sport and encourages healthy habits.
“The resources have been designed to flex for all learners and settings, and they reflective the vision for these Games. With the largest ever Para sport medal programme in games history, it’s brilliant to see that these resources champion that ambition.
“As we continue to build on the success of 2014, Jacqueline’s powerful story highlights the importance of creating a new legacy that connects for both Glasgow and the wider Commonwealth.”
Jacqueline Hart, Class Teacher and former Glasgow 2014 performer said:
“It’s amazing to have the Games back in Glasgow. The last time they were here, I remember there being so much to get involved in and the Glasgow 2026 Schools Programme is a great way of getting children involved in the Games.
“It’s really important that children are part of Glasgow 2026, especially when it’s happening in their own city. For my pupils at this ASN unit, learning about the Para sport programme is especially meaningful. They get to see athletes who are just like them competing at an elite level and that kind of visibility is really inspiring for them.
“The resources are so simple and ready to use, which is a huge help for teachers at such a busy time of year. The children have absolutely loved them and you can feel how excited they are that the Games are coming.”
Cameron Lynn, Scottish Gymnast and Team Scotland hopeful said:
“Getting the opportunity to come and visit one of the amazing schools in Glasgow really fills me with pride. My sporting journey has been quite varied, I tried lots of different sports when I was younger before eventually landing on gymnastics and I was lucky to have teachers and a school that were always very supportive of that.
“Now I get to use those experiences to create some fun outside the gym, chatting with children and young people about the sports they’re passionate about makes it super special to be part of.
“Before making my debut at Birmingham 2022, Glasgow 2014 was and still is a core memory for me. It was such a unique and inspiring experience and I think Glasgow 2026 will do the same again this summer.”
Schools and youth organisations can download all Glasgow 2026 Schools Programme resources free of charge at glasgow2026.com/schools.
Tickets for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are on sale now via the Glasgow 2026 website – glasgow2026.tmtickets.co.uk. For group bookings of more than 10 people, schools are encouraged to use the dedicated group booking form available on the ticketing page.
Scotland football fans
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
It’s time to bring football closer to the fans, explains Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay, as the party announces that it’s time to cap costs for football fans in Scotland.
With the Scottish Premiership taking an exciting turn this season and Scotland’s return to the World Cup only a few months away, the Scottish Green Party have announced that they will start working with football clubs across the nation to review ticket costs and potentially introduce a £25 price cap for travelling away fans.
A cap has been in place in England for over a decade and means travelling fans do not pay more than £30 for a ticket. There are also price caps on Europa and Champion’s League matches but no such cap exists in Scotland.
This price cap is part of a package of steps that the Green party is calling for ahead of next month’s election. Other commitments within the party’s manifesto include working with the UK government to ensure all major sporting events are broadcast on free-to-air channels, alongside empowering fans to have an ownership stake in their sports clubs.
Green co-leader led calls for Scotland games to be shown on free-to-view TV in the lead up to the World Cup but she has expressed that this should be made permanent.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay said:
“Scottish fans are some of the best and most dedicated anywhere in the world, but in the current environment too many are being priced out of our national game.
“For away fans in particular, it is getting increasingly expensive to follow their teams.
“We will work with fans, clubs and other parties to look at the impact of capping prices and making football more affordable for people at a time when bills and costs are soaring.
“Price caps are already common in European competitions and in the English Premiership, and have had clear support from fans across Scotland. We will do anything we can to make them a reality.
“With Scotland set to play in the world cup, one of the most fitting legacies we could leave is embracing the excitement that so many are feeling and making our sport more affordable for the people who follow their teams through good and bad times.
“I’ve already met with supporter groups and have written to clubs. I’m looking forward to meeting with them after the election and seeing how we can work together.”
Gillian added:
“Bringing football closer to fans isn’t only about the price of tickets. It’s about how our clubs are structured and who they work for.
“Fan-ownership is thriving in Scotland with 3 out of the 4 top flight clubs in the top 6 and the other winning the league cup.
“We will work to ensure that fans have their voices heard by football governing bodies to prevent the loss of our historic game to big business profiteers.”
Glasgow Central Station
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
ScotRail is ready to welcome football fans travelling to Glasgow for the men’s Scotland v Japan match this weekend, following the resumption of all services at Glasgow Central High Level.
The fixture marks the first major event since all platforms at the station reopened on Wednesday, 25 March, with extra staff ready to help supporters get to and from the match smoothly.
A normal timetable will operate on Saturday, with additional services and extra carriages in place to and from Mount Florida to support travel to and from Barclays Hampden.
The match kicks off at 17.00, and customers travelling via Glasgow Central are encouraged to travel to Hampden early to soak up the match day experience.
ScotRail is also advising customers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey, as the Gordon Street and Union Street entrances to the station remain unavailable due to the exclusion zone in place around the recent fire site.
Customers travelling to the football or via Mount Florida, should enter the station from the Carriage Drive off Hope Street, where a queuing system will be in place to help customers board trains safely and efficiently.
All other customers should enter the station via the low-level entrance on Argyle Street or high-level entrance on Hope Street. ScotRail will have extra staff to direct customers.
Customers are also reminded to buy return tickets in advance to make their journey home as straightforward as possible.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said:
“We’re really pleased to welcome fans back to Glasgow Central for the first major event since our normal timetable resumed.
“This is Scotland’s opening warm-up game before the men’s World Cup, and it will be a fantastic occasion.
“Extra services will help supporters get to and from Hampden, and our staff will be on hand throughout the day to help customers.
“We’d encourage everyone to plan ahead, check their journey, and follow advice from our staff to help keep things moving.
“I’d also like to thank customers for their patience during the recent disruption while we worked with colleagues at Network Rail and Glasgow City Council to safely reopen the station.”
Craig Milne, Network Rail Scotland Operations Director, said:
“Although Glasgow Central has looked a little different following the recent fire nearby, teams have been working hard to keep passengers travelling safely and we’re well-prepared to welcome football fans this weekend.
“Being able to use the Hope Street Carriage Driveway as an additional route in and out of the station has given us extra space and helped us manage passenger flows more smoothly.
“Safety is always our top priority, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation while these arrangements are in place.”
