Pass the Ball for Scotland: Famous college alumni come together to celebrate a once-in-a-generation World Cup moment

As Scotland prepares to return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years, the country’s colleges today launch a new nationwide campaign - developed through CDN’s Marketing and Communications Strategic Network - celebrating ambition, opportunity and national pride.

To view visit: Pass the Ball for Scotland - College Development Network

Featuring some well-known faces including Forth Valley College Sports and Fitness Lecturer and former Under-21, Hibs, St Johnstone, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Dundee United and Falkirk footballer Darren Dods, chef Tom Kitchin, professional curler Jennifer Dodds and fashion designer Siobhan Mackenzie, ‘Pass the Ball for Scotland’ is a unique collaboration that brings together colleges from across the country in a moment of celebration.

Created in partnership between each of Scotland's 24 colleges, the video shows a powerful visual of a football being passed from college to college, signifying teamwork and inclusion, and includes messages of good luck to the Scottish national team.

Reflecting the shared values of football and college – teamwork, resilience, inclusion and belief – Pass the Ball for Scotland shines a spotlight on some of the journeys that began on local campuses and continued far beyond.

The video celebrates the impact that colleges can have, being the first steps in achieving hugely successful careers for many and aims to spotlight hard work and ambition.

Marie Hendry, Chief Executive of CDN, said: “As the country comes together to celebrate Scotland’s return to the world stage, this campaign highlights the collective impact of our colleges and the talent they help to shape. Every individual featured began their journey in a Scottish college, demonstrating the breadth of opportunity across the sector and the difference it makes in communities throughout the country and beyond. It’s a reminder of the vital role Scotland’s colleges play in supporting talent and ambition, helping individuals go on to achieve remarkable things."

Gavin Donoghue, CEO of Colleges Scotland said: “Scotland’s return to the World Cup is a moment of huge national pride, and one that perfectly reflects what our colleges stand for. Every day, our colleges help people take their first steps, build confidence and pass opportunity forward. This campaign celebrates those journeys and what’s possible when talent is supported and potential is unlocked.”

FVC lecturer Darren Dods, said: “It was a pleasure to get involved in the ‘Pass the Ball for Scotland’ film project and to wish the squad well out in the USA this summer. I was also delighted that some of my students were also able to help out in the filming of our clip and they could show how much they will be supporting their national team at the world Cup!”

Comedian and actor Anna Devitt, Glasgow Clyde College alumni said: “Football has the power to bring people together in a really positive way, and I hope everyone enjoys the experience together. Huge congratulations to every player selected — people see the excitement and the spotlight, but it takes years of hard work and sacrifice to reach this level. I hope their journey inspires young people across Scotland to believe in their own goals and go for them.”

List here of those included:

• Chef Tom Kitchin for UHI Perth
• CEO Gavin Donoghue for Colleges Scotland
• Comedy entrepreneur Anna Devitt for Glasgow Clyde College
• Provost of Fife, former football manager and current chairman of Dunfermline Athletic FC, Jim Leishman for Fife College
• Chef Gary MacLean for City of Glasgow College
• Professional Scottish Rugby Player Rory Darge from Borders College
• Three-time winner of the World's Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman for UHI Inverness
• Director at Cakes by Rebecca, Rebecca Henderson for South Lanarkshire College
• Scottish FA Regional Manager Sam Lawson for Dundee and Angus College
• Fashion designer Siobhan Mackenzie for Glasgow Kelvin College
• Student and Scotland Under 18s Rugby Player, Zak Burgess for West College Scotland
• Active Campus Coordinator Connor McGeorge for Dumfries and Galloway College
• Professional Scottish Curler Jennifer Dodds for Edinburgh College
• Sport and Fitness Student Aiden Telfer for UHI Moray
• Former Scotland player Darren Dods for Forth Valley College
• Football Commentator Kris Boyd for Ayrshire College