Following the success of last year’s inaugural celebration of the power that football possesses to positively impact society, the theme of this year’s celebration, #GetOutsideGetInvolved aims to serve as a platform to share inspirational stories that encapsulate the Power of Football. Participants across Scotland are encouraged to demonstrate that football is for everyone, everywhere, in communities across the country.

This year’s Week of Football kicks off with a bang on 22 May with the long-awaited announcement of the Scotland squad for this summer’s UEFA EURO 2024 tournament.

Also that day, there will be a focus on community spaces and the importance of facilities to the history and future of Scottish Football, with participants across the nation asked to share their experiences playing in communities across the nation.

Thursday, 23 May will turn the focus on Scottish football’s heritage with the launch of                                  the world’s biggest open-air football museum, ‘Football’s Square Mile’ history trail around Hampden Park. Meanwhile the current season in Scottish Women’s football draws to a close with the SWPL Play-off Final at the Falkirk Stadium at 7.45pm.

Football fans across Scotland are then encouraged to participate in the beautiful game and #GetOutsideGetInvolved on Friday, 24 May. Alternatively, fans can take in the action at the SWPL 2 Play-off Final at the Falkirk Stadium at 7.45pm.

The attention then turns to a double header of Scottish Cup Finals, beginning with the 150th anniversary landmark Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic on Saturday, 25 May.

Rangers and Hearts then contest the Scottish Gas Women’s Scottish Cup Final at Hampden on Sunday, 26 May.

McDonald's will then again turn Glasgow's George Square into a festival of football as part of their 'fun football' campaign on Monday, 27 May.

Tuesday, 28 May sees the announcement of the winner of the Learning Through Football writing competition, which tasked school children with creating a short innovative story using the theme ‘We’re Going To Germany’. 

The Week of Football will then draw to a close on Wednesday 29 May as the Scottish Football Museum launches its Local Heritage Grants, encouraging local communities around Scotland to celebrate their football heritage. Groups will be able to apply for grants through the museum to research, highlight, and celebrate local football heritage through a range of activities such as exhibitions, displays, heritage trails and even plays.  

Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell: “Scottish football has had much to be excited about in the past 12 months – from the upper echelons of the professional game with qualification for EURO 2024 right down to grassroots level with the continued investment in facilities across the nation.

“Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Week of Football serves as a landmark to celebrate all that is wonderful about Scottish football and take time to enjoy our national sport.

“There is a fantastic programme of events taking place across the week, celebrating the rich history of Scottish football, encompassing some of the showpiece events in the Scottish football calendar, but above all, encouraging people across Scotland to get involved in our amazing sport.”