Off the Bench is a 16 week (one day per week) programme for young people aged 18 – 24 year olds who have committed or are likely to commit offences, or engage in anti-social behaviour (particularly, but not limited to offences in and around football matches in Scotland).

The programme has a new deadline for referrals of Tuesday 24^th August.

Please note that all referrals must be submitted by an organisation (including public and third sector groups and organisations), as self-referral is not possible for the young person.

Participating young people will work towards:

three SQA certificates to help with employability
Scottish FA coaching badges, delivered by qualified coaches
the Saltire Awards, through a community volunteering project

Taking part are 5 clubs from across the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Championship, and their associated community trust, including Falkirk Football Club and Falkirk Foundation.

The programme will focus on education, physical health, and mental health as a prevention from anti-social behaviour, and will be delivered by the community trusts and key external partners. Partners include Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Scottish FA, Show Racism the Red Card, Skills Development Scotland, SAMH and other local organisations, who will focus on sectarianism, flares and pyrotechnics, anti-social behaviour, homophobia, organised violence, racism, drugs and alcohol, laws of the game and positive destinations.

There will also be an additional opportunity to join the Scottish FA’s Volunteer Inspire Programme. On completion of the programme and with suitable behaviour, participants will be offered the chance to volunteer for their club.

To refer a young person in Falkirk, organisations and partners should directly contact the local team by email:

Alternatively, for further information, please visit the SPFL Trust website, or watch the YouTube video.