The Foundation is working with Down’s Syndrome Scotland as its National Charity Partner for season 2026/27.

The partnership was launched by James Penrice and Katie Wilkinson who met Down’s Syndrome Scotland members and their families and carers at Ibrox Stadium to hear about their experiences, the challenges they face and the work of the charity – and even enjoyed a kick-about with football-mad members!

The Foundation has pledged to raise £20,000 for Down’s Syndrome Scotland to fund their TeenZ Space project as well as helping to increase awareness of Down’s syndrome and the work of Down’s Syndrome Scotland.

Down’s Syndrome Scotland provides support to families and people with Down’s syndrome throughout their entire life. Their mission is to help every individual reach their fullest potential through a range of services and support, to celebrate that potential, and to influence public policy by calling out inequality and campaigning for change.

DSS currently operates 10 volunteer-led branches across Scotland so that everyone with Down’s syndrome has access to activities, support groups and local services near their home.

As well as multiple on-line social and information sessions every week for members, TeenZ Space also includes a host of informal social events such as movie nights, pizza making, quiz nights, karaoke and dance.

James Penrice commented:

“It’s fantastic that the Foundation has pledged to raise £20,000 this season towards the TeenZ Space project, helping young people with Down’s syndrome feel included.

“It’s a great partnership with Down’s Syndrome Scotland and so important that we all get involved in this kind of initiative.”

Emma Soanes, Chief Executive, Down’s Syndrome Scotland, added:

“We are absolutely delighted to be announced as a charity partner of Rangers Charity Foundation, and to receive this incredible pledge of £20,000 towards our TeenZ Space programme.

“This partnership means so much more to us than the vital funds it will bring: it reflects a genuine alignment of values between our two organisations around inclusion, community and giving young people the chance to thrive.

“Rangers has one of the most far-reaching supporter bases in Scottish football, and this partnership gives us a unique platform to raise awareness and understanding of Down’s syndrome with audiences we might never otherwise reach.

“Thanks to this support, teenagers with Down’s syndrome across Scotland will have access to events and experiences that help them build confidence, friendships and a real sense of belonging. We are so grateful to everyone at Rangers Charity Foundation for choosing to stand alongside us.”

Connal Cochrane, Chief Executive, Rangers Charity Foundation commented:

“We’re delighted to be able to work with Down’s Syndrome Scotland this year to help shine a light on the work of the charity.”

“We’ve heard how the TeenZ Space Project has been instrumental in helping teenagers connect, communicate and thrive, and I know participants and their families have spoken of the friendships, confidence and sense of belonging the project has fostered.

“Inclusion is very important to the Foundation and we already run a number of projects under our ‘Everyone and Anyone’ banner, which champions diversity and inclusion for all.  This partnership with Down’s Syndrome Scotland is a natural fit with our ethos and we aim to champion those with Down’s syndrome throughout the season.”

Katie Wilkinson added:

“It was great to meet some of Down’s Syndrome Scotland’s members today at Ibrox and I especially enjoyed the kick-about with the football fans!

“I think everyone had a great day, and I personally look forward to seeing some of the initiatives that this important partnership will roll out over the course of the season.”

Find out more about Down’s Syndrome Scotland by visiting their website: https://dsscotland.org.uk/