This year marks the 25th anniversary of Active Life Club (ALC), a journey that began humbly in 1999 with just £50 in the bank and a vision to bring communities together through sport. Over the past quarter-century, ALC has become a vital part of Glasgow, transforming the lives of generations through sports coaching and leadership development. From its inception, our mission has been simple: to use the power of sport as a medium to unite, inspire, and empower young people from diverse backgrounds.

The significance of this celebration is further highlighted by the latest data from the 2022 Census. Glasgow remains the most ethnically diverse city in Scotland, with one in five residents coming from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. Notably, 32.6% of Glasgow’s under-18 population comes from a BAME background, and Active Life Club plays a crucial role in serving this vibrant group. Across Scotland, the BAME population stands at 7.1%, with the South Asian community making up 4% of the national population. As Glasgow’s BAME population reaches 20%, with one-third of these individuals under the age of 18, ALC’s work has never been more important.

Through our programmes, we have not only fostered a love of sports but also developed young leaders who are active contributors to their communities. Our approach goes beyond the field; it is about creating opportunities for youth to grow in confidence, gain life skills, and break barriers.

This 25th anniversary celebration event is a testament to our mission of bringing people together. It stands as a powerful symbol of cultural unity, where people from all walks of life have gathered to share in the joys of sport, food, and culture. The event showcases the essence of ALC: a vibrant, inclusive space where community spirit thrives and where the connections made transcend the sports field.

As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the countless stories of transformation, the communities we’ve built, and the new horizons we continue to strive toward. This is not just a celebration of our past—it is a moment to look forward to the next 25 years of empowering future generations.