The Big Match Kicks Off Over £21k for Inclusive Play

At Capability Scotland, we know that when communities come together, magic happens, and The Big Match was proof of that!

Players from across Scotland’s property sector dusted off their boots this March for the third Big Match at Spartans Football Club. In a thrilling game packed with energy and some serious skills, Residential United and Commercial City battled it out under the guidance of football legends Gordon Smith and Billy Davies. Former football pros Darren Dods and Gary Wales even pulled on their boots to lead the teams from the pitchside.

And whilst the match ended in a hard-fought draw, everyone walked away as winners, raising more than an incredible £21,000 for our YouthZone services!

This amazing event was spearheaded by the brilliant Steve Currie, Director at Murray & Currie Property. Steve said,

This year’s Big Match was a fantastic success, not only as a thrilling game but as a powerful fundraising initiative.

“It’s incredible to see the property and football communities come together to support the work of Capability Scotland and especially the work they do to support young people and their families.

“Every player, sponsor, and supporter has helped make a real difference."

The funds raised are vital: at YouthZone, we’re building a new fully accessible outdoor play area designed with and for the disabled children and young people we support. This space will be a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for around 65 young people; a place to relax, play, and build friendships. And, with construction costs soaring, the money from The Big Match will ensure the project can happen, adding accessible play equipment, protective fencing, and everything needed for a truly inclusive space.

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of Murray & Currie, the match sponsors, and our community donors. Special thanks go to headline sponsors Shepherds, and Graham & Sibbald, kit donors Hummel (thanks, Chris!), and Spartans Community Foundation for providing the stadium and facilities (thank you, Dan Gerrard!).

We were proud to see players from organisations including Murray & Currie, Simpson Marwick, Ralph Sayer, S1 Developments, VALTTI Paints, and many more pulling together for YouthZone. Truly a community in action.

Ailsa Wallace, our Head of Fundraising & Communications, captured it perfectly:

We are absolutely thrilled by the support shown for The Big Match. The funds raised will make a tangible difference in the lives of the young people we support at YouthZone. This new outdoor space will help foster confidence, friendships, and independence in a safe and inclusive environment."

We believe that creating smiles, caring support, and challenging stereotypes starts with opportunity, and thanks to The Big Match, we’re making that happen.

Thank you.