Clan Academy junior ice hockey programme grows with new funding and a Kiltwalk team

Junior ice hockey is on the rise in the west of Scotland, thanks to Clan Academy. The development programme, run under the Glasgow Clan Ice Futures Charity, gives young people a pathway into the sport through its Learn to Play and Skills Development programmes.

Since launching just 18 months ago, Clan Academy has supported more than 100 young people aged between four and 16 on their ice hockey journey. Its coaches and volunteers aim to offer children a challenging and supportive environment in which to build their skills and make new friends.

In August 2026, the academy received a 3,000 pound grant from the Aldi Scotland Scottish Sport Fund. The money will buy the academy's first skate sharpening machine, along with new on-ice practice equipment. Skates need sharpening regularly for safety and performance, and having a machine at the rink will cut a recurring cost for families and save them travelling elsewhere.

Academy chair Kevin McCoskrie said sharpening skates is one of those small, constant costs that adds up fast when a child is skating every week. Having its own machine means lower costs and more convenience for families, he said, and the new equipment means children get more out of every session.

The academy community has been raising funds of its own, too. Around 40 Clan Academy players, parents, family members and even some pets took part in Kiltwalk 2026, raising just over 4,000 pounds in sponsorship for the Glasgow Clan Ice Futures Charity. The charity said it was also a great team-building day, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who took part.

The Glasgow Clan Ice Futures Charity is a Scottish charitable incorporated organisation formed in 2024. It operates with the blessing of the Glasgow Clan and carries the team's name, and it aims to support education, healthy lifestyles and community engagement through the sport.

Other Glasgow clubs to benefit from the same Aldi fund round included Kelvin Rapids Dodgeball Club and Saltire Thistle FC.

Information about joining Clan Academy and supporting the charity is at glasgowclanicefuturescharity.co.uk.