Scot FC Brings Hope and Football to East Leeds

In East Leeds, a grassroots community revolution started when three young children gathered to kick a ball around Seacroft.

Founder Stacey Hubbard originally established Scot’s Tots in 2019. One summer, over 150 local children unexpectedly showed up. That sudden surge created Scot FC, which officially launched as a club in 2022. The club now supports multiple youth teams and a growing open-age women’s squad.

Scot FC exists to boost fitness, mental health, and self-worth across the community. Strong local support keeps fees low for struggling families. The club also recycles boots and kits so nobody misses out. A one-off payment of £40 or £45 covers kits, shin pads, galas, and winter training for the season.

Organiser Stacey Hubbard, 36, said the club’s rapid growth has only been possible because of the people around it.

“I can’t take full credit,” she said. “All these coaches come out here and volunteer. Then you’ve got the parents bringing the kids, people offering lifts and local businesses getting involved. Everyone pulling together makes a massive impact and makes it work.”

The club has also worked hard to encourage more women and girls into football. Stacey believes having female coaches has helped create an environment where players feel welcome and confident to give the sport a try. 

“Everyone pulling together makes a massive impact. We’ve been rather lucky in this club, and I think it’s because there’s a lot of women coaches involved.

“They become a role model for other women and encourage them to just jump out there and play football. The women that you’re going to see are all there for one reason, and that’s to play football, have fun, make new friends, smile and enjoy it.”

For many players, the squad offers far more than just weekly training sessions. It provides a welcoming space to build self-confidence, stay active, and make lifelong friends.

Samantha McTeer, 46, joined the club after taking part in local fitness bootcamps. “It gives me something to do instead of sitting in the house,” she said. “I work all day, but it gives me a bit of time, a break from kids, grandkids, and work.”

Leila Silvafortes, 34, joined after playing sports at school and was looking for a fun way to stay active. “It’s a good way to stay fit, get out of the house, and make friends,” she shared.

The weekly sessions give women a chance to step away from daily responsibilities and focus on themselves. However, family remains at the heart of the club, with many players bringing their children along to train or play in the youth teams.

Bethany Linley, 34, whose son also plays for the club, loves the balance it offers. “Women are often the ones doing the mum things, so for us this is personal,” she explained, adding: “It gives us time to ourselves to have a laugh and get away from the kids, which is a bonus.”

Recalling a recent game against the club’s male players, Linley added, “We gave it our all, played amazing, and worked as a team. It was a really proud moment for us.”

Coach Simon Craig, 46, stepped in to lead the team after his wife suggested he needed a new hobby alongside his love for Star Wars conventions. He has been blown away by the squad’s quick progress on the pitch.

“They have come on really well and actually showed the guys up when they played against them,” Craig said: “Watching them play, I felt like a proud dad.”

Interested in joining Scot FC? Visit the Scot FC Facebook page for more information.