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Hibernian Community Foundation Welcomes First Minister John Swinney to Extra Time at Abbeyhill Primary School

Yesterday the Hibernian Community Foundation welcomed a visit from the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, at the Extra Time Programme at Abbeyhill Primary School.

Mr Swinney was present at Abbeyhill to learn about the Extra Time Programme and the families that benefit from it, and to speak to attendees about their experiences with HCF and Extra Time. 

“We know that families greatly value the services provided through the Extra Time Programme, which extend the school day, helping parents enter and sustain employment,” the First Minister said. 

“The clubs are also hugely popular with children, enabling them to take part in football and other activities, learn new skills and access healthy food – helping improve their physical and mental wellbeing.” 

The Extra Time Programme is run by HCF in partnership with the Scottish Government and the SFA, aimed at providing extra supervised care for children in under-privileged families each week. 

“It was a pleasure to have the First Minister at our session to demonstrate the Extra Time Programme and showcase the level of support the attendees receive,” said Samantha Windram, HCF Football Development Manager. 

“It is really important to have members from the government present so they can learn about the people who benefit from the programme and better understand just how crucial the funding from the government is.” 

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“Without the financial support from the Scottish Government and the SFA this programme wouldn’t exist.” 

Each week the attendees of Extra Time receive an extra 14 hours of supervised child care; including two extra meals a week and access to physical activity. HCF run Extra Time out of the Community Hub at Easter Road Stadium and at local primary schools, such as Abbeyhill Primary School, and the programme has grown year-on-year to ensure that as many families and children that need the support receive it. 

“The Scottish Government has supported the successful delivery of the programme through grassroots football clubs and trusts across the country, working closely with schools and community organisations. 

“This is an excellent example of how we are improving outcomes for families and delivering on my priorities for Scotland – tackling poverty and growing our economy.” 

By the end of 2025, it is estimated that HCF offered 700 spaces for kids and families in need. The support is not limited to the schooling year, as spots at HCF’s Hibs Heroes holiday camps are also made available through the programme. Through these initiatives, HCF’s commitment to supporting families in need in the Hibernian Community and beyond is unwavering. 

To learn more about the Extra Time programme at HCF, click here to watch our recent video.

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