Social Investment helps strengthen community cohesion in Irvine

Background and Foundation Scotland support
Founded in 1972 when local athletics, rugby and cricket clubs came together, Irvine Community Sports Club has served as a grassroots sporting facility for more than five decades.  Over the years, the club has grown into a place where people of all ages can take part in sport, meet others and feel part of something positive.  

Foundation Scotland’s relationship with Irvine Community Sports Club dates back to 2017, with  £155,000 of Social Investment support. This significantly contributed to the £700,000 refurbishment of the 1970s clubhouse, helping to modernise the facilities and allow the club to reach more people across the Irvine Bay area, supporting both physical activity and community cohesion. Since then, our Social Investment team has kept in close contact with the Club, and recently paid them a visit to say hello to some old friends and see what’s been happening.

The Club
Based at Marress Playing Fields in Irvine, the club’s facilities extend across a 26-acre site and support a wide range of sports including cricket, football, hockey, rugby and running.  They also have a an affordable gym, 120-capacity function hall with bar, three multi-use halls and a dedicated training room.  A range of local community clubs now call Marress home, including Clark Drive Girls Football Club and Irvine Camera Club.  

Each week, over 1,000 people come through the doors, from young children taking part in sport to adults looking for activities to support their physical and mental wellbeing and social connection.

The Time2Talk Programme
Central to the club's mission is the Time2Talk project, an innovative community-focused programme created by Club Manager Glen Russell. Time2Talk supports people facing real challenges in their lives – including mental health, addiction, unemployment and social isolation.  

Operating under a "No Wrong Door" philosophy, Time2Talk provides community members with accessible training and employability support, mental health wellbeing and digital literacy.

Impact
The results speak for themselves. Since 2020, the Time2Talk project has engaged over 28,000 people, with more than 14,000 people receiving mental health and addiction support.  A further 160 people have benefitted from placements offering real experience and pathways into permanent employment, while over 4,000 skills training course placements have been delivered.

In addition, 14,000 people gained access to free digital connectivity, and more than 1,000 people have been supported with free digital devices.

Recognition
The programme's impact has been recognised at a national level. Glen Russell won the Digital Inclusion Award at the Holyrood Digital Health and Care Awards 2026 in recognition of his pivotal role, The award reflects not only his passion and dedication to Time2Talk, but also the vital role Irvine Community Sports Club plays in supporting the wider community every day.

Club Chair Michael Ingram said: 

"The 2026 Digital Inclusion Award is recognition not just of one project, but of a remarkable individual who has helped make Irvine Community Sports Club a place where everyone is welcome.  As a club, we want to thank every member – past and present – and everyone who has used our services and taken part in our activities. For 54 years, you have allowed us to be part of your lives, to build lifelong friendships and grow together.”

Glen Russell, Club Manager said: 

"Working on the TimeToTalk project and managing Irvine Community Sports Club has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. At the heart of everything I do is a core belief — that no one should be left behind in this digital world, and no one should be excluded from living their best life.

I believe that barriers can be removed, and that no matter whether someone is facing addiction, mental health challenges, or social exclusion, everyone deserves the chance to thrive. Seeing people in our community gain the confidence and skills to engage digitally, and witnessing the doors that opens for them, is what drives me every single day.

Winning the Digital Inclusion category at the 2026 Digital Health and Social Care Awards was a truly humbling moment — not just for me personally, but as a recognition of the incredible effort of everyone involved. This isn't just about technology; it's about connection, belonging, and making sure every single person in our community has the opportunity to live the life they deserve."

Chris Holloway, Head of Social Investment with Foundation Scotland said: 

“Irvine Community Sports Club is where partnership, dedication, and inclusivity come together to create real change. From our investment in 2017 to the club’s recognition with the 2026 Digital Inclusion Award, it’s clear that long-term support and trust can transform communities.”

Case study: Keira's placement
Through a partnership with North Ayrshire Council’s Equal Programme, the club provided Kiera with a six-month supported work placement. Kiera, who is autistic and was considered furthest from employment on the employability pipeline, joined the Front of House team.

Through support and training, and by providing a personalised and structured approach to her role, Kiera became a valued member of the team.  Keira’s responsibilities included office duties, handling enquiries, cleaning, and supporting the club's social media activities.  The most notable change during her time at the club was Keira’s growth in confidence and self-belief. As her confidence increased she excelled in the role - demonstrating that with small, considered adjustments— such as structuring duties to suit her skills and abilities — people of all abilities can make a meaningful contribution in the workplace.

At the end of her placement, Kiera was supported into employment with North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership as an Administration Assistant.

Of her time at the club, Kiera said: 

"It was a pleasure to be supported through the club - the all-round support went way beyond employability. I was never admonished or made to feel less, and the confidence this gave me has been invaluable in positively affecting my life. I have now moved on to a new job and take the lessons and skills I learned at the club with me into this new position. I am thankful to the club and staff for making me feel welcome and one of the team."

The success of Irvine Community Sports Club highlights the power of partnership in building confidence, creating opportunities and supporting lasting change. Foundation Scotland’s Social Investment continues to help ensure its impact reaches even further into the community.

Visit the Social Investment webpage for more information.