City Centre Youth Activities Kick Off for Summer

A new programme of Friday evening youth events has kicked off in Dundee City Centre.

Activities are being run in partnership between Dundee City Council city centre management, Street Soccer Scotland, Police Scotland and local businesses.

The project is being supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Street Soccer Scotland will set up a pitch in City Square for 20 weeks (subject to weather) on Friday nights in City Square from 6-9pm until Friday October 3.

There will also be extra activities on offer on certain evenings including end of school term dates where skateboarding and youth cafes will be provided.

Partners have come together to celebrate the launch of this year’s programme.

City council Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener Cllr Steven Rome said: “We are all keen that young people can enjoy positive experiences in the city centre and have found that these types of activities can build constructive relationships going forward.

“We are under no illusions that there are problems with behaviour issues in the city centre. However, we would rather try to do something about this by engaging with the young people directly.”

“I would like to thank the businesses which are becoming involved and our partners for putting together such a comprehensive programme for 2025, which build on last year’s offering."

David Mackenzie, Street Soccer Manager (Dundee), said: "We’re thrilled to welcome the return of the youth sessions in Dundee's City Square, delivered in collaboration with our partners and completely free for young people to attend. Sport continues to be a powerful tool for engagement, bringing people together while offering a safe, supportive environment for those who may be vulnerable on Friday nights.  

“This initiative not only builds on the success of last year, but also strengthens connections between young people, local businesses, and emergency services. New for this year, we’re excited to introduce even more opportunities that lead to positive destinations, including guaranteed job interviews with major employers such as McDonald’s and Primark."  

Sergeant Daniel Forbes, Dundee City Centre Policing Team said: “The return of the youth engagement sessions and activities in the City Centre are very welcome. We, the Police fully support the scheme and initiatives, in providing the youth community with a constructive and enjoyable way to express themselves, develop socially and physically in a safe environment. It’s a fantastic setting to be able to participate in all of these exciting activities right in the heart of our city. A massive thankyou goes out to all those individuals and organisations who have worked so hard together to bring this back to Dundee.  

“These activities provide such valuable opportunities for all young people moving forward in their lives, providing options and positive pathways for them as they develop and grow. Previously these activities have really brought the community together, providing support for those who need it and encouraging others to develop further. From a Policing perspective this benefits the community, helping to combat youth disorder and anti-social behaviour. This allows us to work closely with the youth community and parents, break down barriers and build progressive constructive connections."  

Extra activities will be on offer on six of the Friday nights including two end of school term dates.

• Friday 27th June Passion Park pop up skatepark and McDonald’s will open upstairs as a Youth Café where key agencies will attend to promote what they can offer to young people and Primark to promote their beauty offers (end of term)
• Friday 25th July Passion Park pop up skatepark and McDonald’s will open upstairs as a Youth Café where key agencies will be invited to promote what they can offer to young people
• Friday 29th August Passion Park pop up skatepark and McDonald’s will open upstairs as a Youth Café where key agencies will be invited to promote what they can offer to young people    
• Friday 26th Sept Passion Park pop up skatepark and McDonald’s will open upstairs as a Youth Café where key agencies will be invited to promote what they can offer to young people
• Friday 3rd October Passion Park pop up skatepark and McDonald’s will open upstairs as a Youth Café where key agencies will be invited to promote what they can offer to young people and Primark to promote their beauty offers (end of term)