About
our beginnings, what we do, and where we are GOING..
Sports Pathway group is a social enterprise and the goal is to broaden the scope of our social enterprise by offering a diverse range of services aimed at providing enriching experiences, fostering upskilling opportunities, and, most importantly, creating enduring memories for individuals worldwide. As the largest youth football tournament in the UK, our ambition extends beyond geographical boundaries. We aim to have a lasting impact not only on the field of youth football but also as a global movement dedicated to shaping positive experiences and building skills that resonate throughout a lifetime. The Edinburgh Cup is more than just a tournament; it is a dynamic force committed to creating a lasting legacy of inspiration and empowerment on an international scale. The Important Part Here is where your contribution matters. With your support and our combined efforts, we can establish a partnership that not only mutually benefits both organisations but also makes a positive impact on both local and international fronts.
Established in 2013 under the name Progressive Sports Development (PSD), our mission was to bring multi-sport sessions to schools in East Lothian. In just two years, we emerged as a leading coaching organization in Scotland. We collaborated closely with numerous sports clubs, crafting coaching curricula, enhancing coach education, and fostering player development. Our efforts also focused on establishing pathways for children from local schools to seamlessly transition into club environments.
After 15 months of expansion, we chose a new direction focused on maximizing support for young people. Transitioning into a social enterprise, specifically a community interest company, marked a significant transformation for PSD. This shift empowered us to deepen our impact within the community and accelerate our growth.
Shortly after becoming a social enterprise, we were honored with a nomination for Social Enterprise of the Year. Following months of anticipation, we proudly clinched the award, underscoring the remarkable progress we had achieved in our brief yet impactful journey.
In 2016, PSD underwent a rebranding as Sports Pathway Group (SPG), aligning with our three core pillars: Event Management, Consultancy, and Sports Coaching.
As our business expanded and our team grew with the addition of many full-time staff, in 2017 we introduced our inaugural social program. This initiative involved launching a back-to-work football coaching program designed to provide adults—both male and female—the opportunity to learn the basics of coaching. Participants who successfully completed the 8-week program had the chance to join SPG's workforce. Today, we are proud to have six part-time staff members who continue to support our initiatives.
In 2018, we inaugurated our premier event, The Edinburgh Cup, scheduled annually on the first weekend of August during the Edinburgh Fringe festival. This event gathers teams from around the globe in Edinburgh for an exhilarating celebration of the beautiful game. Held at top-notch facilities in and around the city, it offers a festive and exciting atmosphere, combining sportsmanship with the vibrant spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe.
SPG was recognized in the Scottish Parliament and honored by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh for our outstanding contributions to the community. Each year, we engage with over 30,000 individuals through our initiatives, making a significant impact in Edinburgh. (Picture of our MD and the Lord Provost at the award ceremony)
Our vision is to expand and continually innovate our social enterprise, offering a wide array of services aimed at providing enriching experiences, skills development, and most importantly, creating enduring memories that resonate for a lifetime. We aspire to impact not only Scotland but also communities worldwide.