Football clubs across Scotland are being called upon to join a new initiative aimed at intervening with 200,000 Scots who may be unknowingly drinking at harmful levels. The campaign, led by the alcohol charity Drinkaware, seeks to identify and support up to two million risky drinkers across the UK by 2030.
Summit at Ibrox Stadium
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and Rangers FC were key participants in a roundtable summit held at Ibrox Stadium, where industry leaders gathered to discuss effective methods for reaching those who drink excessively without realising it. The priority group identified was individuals who regularly consume alcohol above the recommended low-risk levels.
Medical Perspective
Dr Zubir Ahmed, a Labour MP and transplant surgeon, highlighted the urgency of early intervention. He stated: "As an NHS transplant surgeon for more than twenty years, I have seen what happens when the conversation about risky drinking comes too late - patients arriving when the damage is already irreversible. Eight million people in the UK are drinking at risky levels, many without recognising it."
Drinkaware's Strategy
Drinkaware CEO Karen Tyrell emphasised progress made over the last two decades, with people across the UK drinking less and more staying within low-risk guidelines. However, she noted that one in five adults still drink at increasing risk levels. Drinkaware encourages anyone concerned about their drinking to take its free Drinking Check, which provides personalised feedback on health impacts.
Football Clubs as Trusted Spaces
Michael Beeson, Head of Partnerships at Drinkaware, said: "Football clubs have a unique role at the heart of their communities, creating trusted spaces that can encourage earlier conversations about alcohol. Through partnerships like our Walking Football and Netball programmes with Hearts FC and Heineken UK, we're bringing people together for free, inclusive sessions that combine social activity with simple, practical tools like our Drinking Check."
Collaborative Effort
The new target aligns with Scotland’s Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan, focusing on prevention and early intervention. Participants at the summit explored how trusted settings outside traditional healthcare, including football clubs, peer support groups, and local community organisations, can play a greater role in encouraging earlier conversations and interventions.
Attendees included the SPFL Trust, Rangers FC, Heineken, Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership, Community Alcohol Partnerships, and The Wise Group.
Background and Guidelines
Drinkaware was founded in 2006 by the UK Government, devolved administrations, and the alcohol industry. It is funded by unrestricted voluntary donations from more than 120 organisations, including UK alcohol producers, retailers, supermarkets, venues, restaurant groups, and sports associations. The Chief Medical Officers’ guideline advises both men and women to drink less than 14 units per week on a regular basis, and to spread drinking over three or more days rather than in a single binge.
