A collaborative initiative involving the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), William Hill and Epic Global Solutions is continuing to deliver safer gambling education to youth football players across Scotland.
The programme, introduced as part of William Hill’s title sponsorship of the league, has engaged more than 350 academy players and coaches from 17 SPFL clubs during the current season.
According to post-session evaluations, 93% of participants described the workshops as “impactful”, with many indicating an increased likelihood of making informed decisions regarding gambling.
Sessions are delivered by Epic Global Solutions using a “lived experience” approach, with former professional athletes sharing personal experiences related to gambling harm. Among the facilitators are former footballers Marc Williams and Dominic Matteo, who provide insights into the risks associated with gambling and the importance of responsible engagement.
The initiative primarily targets academy players in the U17 to U19 age groups but has also been extended to women’s teams and staff linked to SPFL Trust programmes. The sessions aim to improve awareness of integrity issues in sport while supporting player wellbeing and long-term development.
Feedback from participating clubs has highlighted the perceived benefits of peer-led education. Representatives from both Rangers and Celtic noted that the relatability of former players delivering the content contributed to strong engagement among young athletes.
Commenting on the programme, Per Widerstrom, CEO of Evoke (the parent organisation of William Hill), stated: “We are proud of our partnership with the SPFL and Epic Global Solutions, and the latest expansion of the programme to academies as a central part of our league sponsorship.
“Equipping young players with the knowledge and confidence to engage with gambling
responsibly is essential. The strength of the post-session feedback demonstrates the real impact this education is having, and we remain committed to building on that progress in the season ahead.”
The SPFL initiative is the latest in a series of football-focused safer gambling programmes to make headlines in recent months. In January 2026, the League of Ireland launched a three-year nationwide gambling harm prevention programme, also delivered by Epic Global Solutions, which is expected to reach more than 2,000 participants annually.
Epic has delivered gambling harm prevention programmes across professional sports, reaching thousands of athletes, coaches and staff in recent years
