Street Soccer has launched its inaugural Greenock Community Network event, bringing together community organisations and local businesses from across the West Dunbartonshire region.
The event was created to showcase the work Street Soccer delivers locally while highlighting opportunities for future collaboration and support. Through the power of football, the charity continues to promote positive change and support for those affected by social exclusion – providing a safe space, a sense of purpose, and pathways to new opportunities.
More than 50 representatives attended, starting with a networking session before moving into a series of engaging talks. Gerry Britton, Chief Operating Officer, and Stuart Lovell, Network Manager, shared insights on the organisation’s mission and the impact of the Street Soccer Network across Scotland.
A Q&A led by Greenock Programme Coordinator Brendan McEleny featured two long-standing Street Soccer players and the Unit Manager from Jericho House, a key delivery partner in the region. The players spoke openly about their personal journeys, and the positive impact Street Soccer has had on rebuilding confidence, finding purpose, and reconnecting with their communities.
The event also included a conversation between Stuart Lovell and Greenock Morton Manager Ian Murray, as well as insights from Partnerships Coordinator Robert Whiteside on how local organisations can get involved.
In attendance at the event, representatives from Inverclyde council, Skills Development Scotland and elected officials joined local organisations such as Morton in the Community, River Clyde Homes, Bowman Rebecchi and Love & Humphries.
Gerry Britton, Chief Operating Officer brought the event to a close with a call to action, quoting Street Soccer founder & CEO David Duke MBE – “Everyday there’s one person that needs our help & our support, go & find them.”
In Greenock alone, Street Soccer has delivered over 119 drop-in football sessions since the successful launch of the programme in August 2025. There are 127 registered players to date, with more than 1,800 attendances in the first 6 months. These sessions form part of the network programme, which brings football to less connected communities outside major city hubs.
Building on this success, the next Community Network event will take place in Fife, bringing together local partners to explore further opportunities for collaboration and community impact.
To enquire about how you or your organisation can get involved with Street Soccer, email us at info@streetsoccer.org.uk.
