Aldi Scotland has invested £6,500 in seven local sports clubs across South Scotland as part of its annual Scottish Sport Fund initiative. 

The fund reinforces the supermarket’s dedication to building a healthier Scotland by supporting the work of community sports clubs. Applications open throughout the year in different regions across Scotland, calling on local teams to apply for funding up to £2,500. 

Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team was awarded £2,500 – the highest funding available.   

Founded in 2013, Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team is an all-female side based at the Dumfries Ice Bowl, where girls aged 14 and over can discover their passion for the sport in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Players start at open development sessions, mastering the fundamentals of skating and hockey, and can progress through the club’s pathway to compete at the highest level in the Women’s National First Division (WNIHL 1). The club has a proud record of nurturing talent, with several players going on to represent Great Britain at under-16 and under-18 level.

The club plans to use the funding from Aldi Scotland to help cover on and off ice running costs such as game and referee fees, transport to away fixtures, kits and training aids.

Elsewhere in the region, South Ayrshire Volleyball Club and Stewarton Tennis Club both received £1,000, while Kilmarnock Amateur Swim Club, Irvine Meadow 2012, Annan Athletic Community Football Club and Wilton Park & Hawick Tennis Club each received £500.

Aldi Scotland introduced its Scottish Sport Fund in 2016 to support individuals of all ages and abilities to get involved in physical activity in their local communities.

The past decade has seen Aldi Scotland support over 650 clubs across Scotland, giving away almost £500,000, with the fund improving community access to sport across the country.

Lee Simpson, Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team said: “

"We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from Aldi Scotland. Our team is more than just a club, it is a place where girls can develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy being part of a supportive community. Watching our players grow from their first steps on the ice to competing at a national level is something we are immensely proud of."

“This funding will help cover essential on and off ice running costs and allow us to look at holding training camps and further development sessions in 2026. Thanks to Aldi Scotland, we can focus on providing our players with the best possible experience and inspiring more young women to take up the sport.”

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: 

“Since launching in 2016, the Scottish Sport Fund has supported a diverse range of clubs with vital funding to invest in much-needed equipment and resources."

“It’s inspiring to see the impact this support has on clubs like Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team, and how it contributes to encouraging active, healthy lifestyles in communities across Scotland.”

Top Photo: Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team received £2,500 funding as part of Aldi’s initiative