LAND OF FOOTBALL BRINGS SCOTLAND’S UEFA EURO 2020 IMPACT TO LIFE WITH UPLIFTING TALES SPANNING COMMUNITIES AND GENERATIONS

Steve Clarke’s side will now look to learn the valuable lessons from Group D in time for the resumption of the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in September but the Scottish FA has encapsulated the passion and pride evoked throughout Scotland’s involvement in communities across the country.

The mini-series gives a fan’s-eye view of Scotland’s campaign from meeting the next generation of supporters at Cornton Primary School in Stirling to experienced spectators of Scotland at major tournaments.

TV presenters, Jean Johannson and Chris McQueer, travelled across the country chatting to those that have been touched by Scotland’s return to a major men’s tournament. In Glasgow, they meet a true Scotland legend - and someone who has played in front of sell-out crowds – Stuart McCall, as he talks about how vital it is to have fans back in stadiums and in Scotland’s fourth-largest city, Chris hears from supporters of both Dundee FC and Dundee United, on how they put their rivalries to one side in support of the Tartan Army.

Jean Johannson:

“I loved doing this series. It was so great to visit both big cities and small towns, and see first-hand the impact Scotland qualifying has had on the nation. No matter where we were, one thing that was clear was that the passion for the game is everywhere.”

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “The impact of the Scotland men’s national team qualifying for UEFA EURO 2020 – co-hosted at Hampden Park in Glasgow - will be felt for years to come. While the objective for Steve and the squad now is to build on this achievement and ideally qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, already we can see and feel the unique impact of the national sport across society. 

“Being active participants at UEFA EURO 2020, and not just having a host venue, shone a light on the many ways in which football inspires people in everyday life. The Scottish FA’s new strategic plan, the Power of Football, is so called because we know the sport can positively impact society and we want to harness that power for years to come. The Land of Football provides real-life examples of that connection we have with football.”

Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women's Health and Sport, said: “The passion of supporters in Scotland – with strong ties to clubs, communities and our national teams, often spanning generations – is an exhilarating force.”   

The full ‘Land of Football’ mini-series includes:

• Understanding the importance of grassroot football at Dyce Boys’ Club in Aberdeen
• Getting the thoughts on the world’s oldest football from some of Scotland’s youngest fans in Stirling
• In Glasgow, Scotland legend, Stuart McCall, talks about how vital it having fans back in stadiums
• Finding out football fans hopes for the tournament at the most picturesque football ground in the world, Fort William
• Talking to Dundee United and Dundee FC fans about putting rivalries aside in support of the Tartan Army
• Celebrating how football fever has gripped Scotland during UEFA EURO 2020