Sports and Physical Activity - Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund, plays a vital role in strengthening community wellbeing, confidence, and social connection. Through accessible, family‑friendly sporting activities, we create opportunities for children, young people, and adults to come together, stay active, and build positive relationships in a safe and welcoming environment.
Outdoor Community Integration & Socialisation
Shaping Life’s Outdoor Community Integration and Socialisation Programme continues to be one of our most impactful and inclusive initiatives, bringing families, children, young people, and neighbours together in open, welcoming outdoor spaces across Glasgow. Rooted in our mission to strengthen community bonds and reduce social isolation, these outdoor gatherings create opportunities for people to connect, participate, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
2026
Scottish Refugee Festival
For the past five years, our organisation has proudly delivered a well‑organised and deeply celebrated Scottish Refugee Festival, an annual gathering that continues to grow in scale, visibility, and community impact. What began as a modest initiative has evolved into a vibrant, widely attended cultural and social event that brings together refugees, local residents, partner organisations, and supporters from across Scotland.
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Honouring Our Chairperson’s Outstanding Service
Shaping Life is proud to celebrate a moment of great significance the Chairperson Mr Pa Ebou Ngum was formally honoured in London by Dr. Fatou Bensouda, the Gambian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. This prestigious award recognises his unwavering support, leadership, and long‑standing contribution to Gambian communities across Scotland and the wider United Kingdom.
His dedication has strengthened community cohesion, expanded opportunities for families, and ensured that Gambians whether newly arrived or long‑settled feel supported, represented, and connected. Through years of service, he has championed cultural unity, youth development, and community wellbeing, earning deep respect from organisations, families, and leaders across the diaspora.
Glasgow Life Sports Awad
Celebrating Shaping Life at Glasgow’s Sport Awards
Shaping Life was honoured to be selected by Glasgow Life to deliver a presentation at the prestigious Glasgow’s Sport Awards 2023, held at the iconic Emirates Arena. The event brought together inspirational organisations, athletes, coaches, and community leaders who are transforming lives through sport—and Shaping Life stood proudly among them.
Our presence on stage reflected the growing recognition of our community sports programmes, which continue to make a meaningful difference across Glasgow’s diverse neighbourhoods. Through football, fitness sessions, girls’ participation initiatives, and inclusive activities for children with additional needs, Shaping Life uses sport as a powerful tool for connection, confidence, and wellbeing.
Being invited to speak at the ceremony highlighted the impact of our work in:
Community sports development — creating safe, structured activities that bring families together.
Poverty relief through accessible sport — ensuring children from low‑income households can participate without barriers.
Mental health and wellbeing — using physical activity to reduce isolation, build resilience, and support emotional health.
Inclusive opportunities — adapting sessions so children with additional needs can thrive.
Our programmes demonstrate that sport is far more than recreation—it is a lifeline for many families. It offers routine, motivation, positive role models, and a sense of belonging that strengthens communities from within.
Strengthening Community Bonds
Shaping Life’s Community Integration and Socialisation Project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, is a vibrant, community‑led initiative designed to bring families, neighbours, and diverse groups together through shared activities, connection, and celebration. The project reflects the Fund’s mission to help communities build relationships, reduce loneliness, and create welcoming spaces where everyone feels they belong.
Community Event
Socialisation
Community Integration Event
Our community integration event, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, was very well attended and proved to be a great success. Families from across the community came together to connect, celebrate, and enjoy a day filled with activities. The children especially had a fantastic time — their energy and excitement really brought the event to life.
The positive feedback we received shows just how valuable these opportunities are for strengthening community bonds and creating joyful shared experiences.
Inspiring Active Kids: Building Strong Bodies, Confident Minds, and Brighter Futures
Why Getting Active Matters
Children aren’t just playing when they run, jump, kick, or climb, they’re building the foundation for a healthier, happier life. In a world filled with screens and distractions, getting kids involved in sports and physical activities is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer them. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about shaping character, confidence, and lifelong habits that help them thrive.
Getting Involve In Sports and Physical Activities
Community Integration
INCLUSIVE AND WELCOMING
- Building bridges, shaping futures—together in community."
- Where every voice belongs, and every story matters."
- Connecting hearts, creating opportunities, celebrating diversity."
Shaping Childrens Future
When families, coaches, volunteers, and local organisations come together to support children’s activities, communities become more vibrant and connected. This involvement creates:
Safe, supportive environments for children
Opportunities for parents to meet and engage
Stronger ties between schools, clubs, and local groups
A shared commitment to health, inclusion, and wellbeing
Active children inspire active communities — and active communities create a sense of unity that benefits everyone.
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire active, confident, and connected children by creating inclusive opportunities for sport and physical activity. We aim to strengthen communities through integration, socialisation, and shared experiences that help every child feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
2. Youth Development & Lifelong Impact
Our mission is to engage children in meaningful physical activity that builds strong bodies, confident minds, and positive social connections. We are committed to shaping healthier futures and stronger communities by promoting teamwork, inclusion, and lifelong habits of movement and wellbeing.
3. Integration & Social Growth
Our mission is to use sport as a bridge that brings children and communities together. We strive to create safe, welcoming environments where young people can integrate, socialise, and grow—developing the skills, friendships, and values that strengthen our community as a whole.
4. Short, Strong, and Modern
Our mission is to empower children through active play, teamwork, and community connection—building healthier lives and stronger neighbourhoods.
5. Community Transformation
Our mission is to transform communities by engaging children in sports and physical activities that promote inclusion, social development, and shared purpose. We believe active children create active, resilient, and united communities.
How you can help
Integration
Integration is about bringing people together, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued, and included. Through sports and physical activities, children from different backgrounds can connect naturally, share experiences, and build friendships. These shared moments help break down barriers, strengthen understanding, and create a sense of belonging. When communities support integration, they shape an environment where every child has the opportunity to grow, participate, and thrive alongside others.
Youths Thrive
When young people are given the chance to move, connect, and participate, they don’t just grow — they thrive. Through sports, physical activity, and community involvement, youths discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop the resilience they need to navigate life. These experiences help them form positive relationships, express themselves, and find a sense of purpose. When we invest in opportunities that support their wellbeing and inclusion, we empower youths to become healthier, happier, and more capable of shaping their own futures.
Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage is the story of who we are — the traditions, values, and histories passed down through generations. It shapes identity, strengthens belonging, and connects young people to their roots. When children engage in sports and community activities, they not only share their own heritage but also learn to appreciate the diverse backgrounds of others. This exchange builds respect, understanding, and unity. By celebrating cultural heritage, we create inclusive spaces where every child feels seen, valued, and proud of where they come from.
Did you know?
All members are invited to join us as we continue building an active, inclusive, and connected community. Whether you’re a parent, volunteer, young person, or supporter, your presence and participation help create a space where every child can grow, belong, and thrive. Together, we make our community stronger..
Help us continue our work
Together, we can keep creating spaces where every child feels valued and every family feels welcome.