Ayrshire College has stepped into the spotlight in the national conversation around youth mental health, hosting a powerful women’s football festival that combined sport, wellbeing and community connection.

Held during Mental Health Awareness Week, The Rose Reilly #BeAwesome Cup – Empowering Women Through Football Festival brought together students, sporting role models and leading charities from across Scotland for a day that was about far more than football.

A Festival with Purpose

Teams from Dumfries and Galloway College, New College Lanarkshire and West College Scotland joined two Ayrshire College sides in a competitive 7-a-side tournament, with around 50 student athletes taking part. In a strong display of progress in the women’s game, all matches were officiated by female referees.

But the event’s real focus went beyond competition. Designed to promote mental health, resilience and confidence, the festival created a safe and inclusive space where young women could connect, share experiences and feel supported.

Jennifer Anderson, Assistant Principal for Skills and Innovation at Ayrshire College, said:

This event highlights what’s possible when education, sport and community come together with a shared purpose. We are proud to be leading the way in creating environments where young people can thrive, not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.

National Voices, Local Impact

The festival attracted prominent figures from across Scottish football and beyond, including Rose Reilly, Jane Ross and Andy McLaren, all of whom supported the initiative and its focus on mental wellbeing.

Singer Jai McDowall also attended, continuing his support for the College’s Connecting Communities work, while the Provost of East Ayrshire Council, Claire Leitch, presented medals and trophies at the conclusion of the inaugural #BeAwesome Cup.

Rose Reilly praised the event’s impact, saying:

This is exactly the kind of event we need to see more of, bringing young women together, building confidence and opening up conversations around mental health.

Provost Claire Leitch added:

It was inspiring to see so many young women taking part with confidence and pride. Events like this show the power of partnership in supporting our communities.

Community Support in Action

The success of the festival was strengthened by strong local partnerships.

  • DM Fruit provided fresh fruit and water for players
  • Only Sport supplied tournament kits free of charge
  • The Student Association at Ayrshire College sponsored trophies and medals

Together, these contributions ensured every participant could compete and feel part of the experience.

A Lasting Legacy

One of the most significant moments of the day came with the unveiling of permanent pitch-side banners highlighting key mental health organisations, including:

  • Andy’s Man Club
  • Beautiful Inside and Out
  • Megan’s Space
  • The Kris Boyd Charity

These installations will remain in place, ensuring that vital support services are visible and accessible long after the festival has ended.

Kris Boyd, founder of The Kris Boyd Charity, said:

Football has an extraordinary ability to unite people. When combined with clear mental health support messages, it becomes a powerful tool for change.

While the atmosphere was celebratory, the day also carried deep emotional significance. Families affected by suicide were among those in attendance, and the event created space for open, meaningful conversations around mental health and wellbeing.

Ayrshire College Student President and player, Darcie Hamilton reflected on the experience:

This was about so much more than football. Seeing families in the crowd really put into perspective why days like this matter. We were playing for mental health awareness and for people who need to know they’re not alone.

At the end of an inspiring day, New College Lanarkshire lifted the inaugural Rose Reilly #BeAwesome Cup, with Ayrshire College finishing as runners-up.

But the real victory lay in the event’s wider impact, demonstrating how sport can be used to empower young women, strengthen communities and support mental health conversations across Scotland.

As awareness continues to grow nationwide, The Rose Reilly #BeAwesome Festival stands as a powerful example of how grassroots initiatives can make a lasting difference, on and off the pitch.