Scottish Cup rebranded to help boost nation's fitness

Published on Monday 21 September 2009 13:25

THE new branding of the Scottish Cup was unveiled today as part of a drive to get the nation "fitter, healthier and happier".

Now known as the Active Nation Scottish Cup, it is part of wider 23.5 million investment to ensure a legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith said: "I have always believed that we should be using the positive aspects of football to give future generations of Scots the confidence to succeed and the determination to be all they can be.

"We all want our children to be fitter, healthier and happier. This year's Active Nation Scottish Cup will not just be a fantastic competition, it will be also be a part of the campaign to change lives and to make our country a better place."

The branding was announced by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who joined Mr Smith at All Saints Secondary School in Glasgow.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Football is a catalyst for raising the awareness of the changes families and communities can make, from walking to games, eating healthier, kickabouts in the garden to on the pitch itself."

This is the second year of a two-year sponsorship deal worth about 1 million a year to Scottish football.

Refrigeration tycoon Willie Haughey funds the annual investment as part of a sponsorship deal to promote healthy living messages and citizenship through the sport.

Last year the tournament was renamed the Homecoming Scottish Cup to mark the campaign to attract Scots from around the globe.

The first round of this season's football competition will take place on Saturday September 26.