Ron Gordon’s ‘Extra Time’ Programme

We are incredibly excited to deliver a new programme at the Foundation, which will see 60 children from four primary schools in Leith receive up to 12 hours of coached football every week.

Ron Gordon’s Extra Time, named after Hibernian FC’s late chairman, is designed to give parents and carers ‘extra time’ to do whatever’s most important in their lives.  This could be spending a few more hours at work, spending time to enhance their employment prospects, or looking after their own mental health & well-being.

Funds were raised by family, friends and fans when Ron Gordon passed away last February and The Gordon Family, owners of Hibernian FC, were keen to put the funding back into the local community.  The Scottish FA and Scottish Government have also heavily backed the programme at Hibs, and other clubs around Scotland.

As well as engaging the children in physical activity, Ron Gordon’s Extra Time offers parents and carers a pick-up service from school three times a week, hot meals provided at Easter Road Stadium and a variety of games and activities, such as table tennis and pool.  Guaranteed places at football camps are also on offer, giving parents and carers quality, free childcare during school holidays.

Staff at the Foundation have built strong relationships with parents and carers, which has allowed referrals to be made to Into Work, a charity that helps people find and sustain a job, to Citizen’s Advice to ensure they are receiving benefits to which they are entitled, and Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, who can aid families who are struggling by providing food bags.  Many parents and other family members have become involved in other activities offered by the Foundation, such as the Hibs Community Choir, fitness classes and Hibs Memories, a social club for the elderly.

Jan, a parent participating in the programme said, “My daughter just loves the games she plays on the pitch – including the ones that don’t involve a ball!  It’s great not having to rush away from work early, and stay until everyone else clocks off at 5.”

Kit Gordon, Hibernian Community Foundation Board Member, said “Ron would be delighted to back such an incredible project.  It lets local children enjoy football while improving the job prospects and mental wellbeing of parents and carers.  Brilliant!”

Head of Community, Lewis Melee, has highlighted the importance of this project.

“Investing in the health of the local population is key for us at the Foundation.  Research shows that children are becoming less physically active, spending more time than ever on their mobile phones and devices.

“With Ron Gordon’s Extra Time, not only are they running around and playing together, but they’re also getting to make friends with pupils from other schools, giving them stronger connections and bonds in their own neighbourhoods.”

Ron Gordon’s Extra Time programme started in December and will run to the end of Summer 2024.  If you or someone you know has a pupil who attends any of the schools below and would like further information about the programme, please contact [email protected].

Partner Schools – Ron Gordon’s Extra Time

Abbeyhill PS

Craigentinny PS

Hermitage Park PS

Leith PS

Lorne PS

St Ninians PS