We recently caught up with Colin Crawford from Strathearn United Football Club to find out more about how their Sport for Change grant is helping the club to attract new members and to take part in the Warriors Football League. 

Sport for Change grants, made possible thanks to funding from the Gannochy Trust, are distributed annually by the Live Active Sports Development Team.  A key Sport for Change grant theme is mental health, where successful clubs receive funding to support their members with their mental health. Strathearn United received a £1000 grant in April this year.

Grants are made available to clubs who have completed the Perth & Kinross Accredited Club Excellence Scheme (PACES) and Strathearn United Football Club joined PACES at bronze level in March 2025.

Club Secretary and co-founder Colin explained:

“The club is based in Crieff, training at Strathearn Community Campus.  The club was established in late 2024 as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and so far we have attracted 30 players into the club’s fold which is a great response locally.  Some players don’t have a football background, and so have never played before, but have gained confidence and been supported to play in organised 11 a side games”.

Speaking about his experience with Strathearn United, player Richie added:

“At 52, with a high-pressure job and living outside of Crieff, socialising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle had become a very significant challenge. At 5'9" and 97kg, having not played football for over 10 years and having no other exercise other than walking the dogs, I knew I needed to take control of my health, both physically and mentally. Having experienced stress-related struggles in the past, including having to seek therapy, I was acutely aware of how important it was to find a positive outlet.

“Joining Strathearn United has been life-changing. This team, dedicated to supporting overweight men and promoting mental health, has given me a renewed sense of purpose. Training once a week is tough, I feel the soreness for days, but the happiness and camaraderie far outweigh the discomfort. My wife and colleagues have noticed a difference in me: I'm more positive, more engaged, and feel like I'm taking control of my well-being.”

The club’s swift growth and development has led to a place in the Warriors Football League, after participation in vetting games. The Warriors Football League is an innovative grass roots amateur football competition aimed specifically at supporting men with a BMI of 30 or more, or a waist measurement of 96cm or more.  The league focusses on providing a safe space for improving physical health including weight loss and supports mental wellbeing by helping to encourage play and therefore reducing social isolation.  

Colin said:

“We are thrilled with the club’s progress, from club members meeting in friendship groups outside of training, to being the only Perthshire club invited to the Warriors League, it’s exactly what we hoped it would be. We are considering the next stage of our development and are speaking to local GP practices who we hope will make referrals for local men to come to our training sessions, and we have more social nights planned, like our recent race night and disco that brought members and their families together, while raising a fantastic £1331 for our club.”

Gemma Simpson, Sports Development Officer for Strathearn said:

“In such a short space of time, Strathearn United Football Club has achieved so much which has been incredibly exciting to see.  The club’s commitment to improving the health of players can only be commended, and I have been delighted to support the club through PACES and Sport for Change funding.  

A direct focus on wellbeing can help to reduce the likelihood of health conditions that are preventable, as well as improving quality of life all round. Having this new football team in Crieff, offering a welcoming space to improve fitness and confidence, is absolutely wonderful and so if interested, then please give the club a shout!”

For more information about Strathearn United, visit their facebook page or email 

Strathearn United F.C. | Facebook

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For more information about the Warriors League, visit their website on

Warriors Football Association