Michael McEwan, CommonSpace columnist and chair of his local disability group, looks forward to some key events in the 2019 calendar for disabled people in Scotland

LAST year saw the Down Syndrome Congress in Glasgow from 25-27 July, which provided a once in a lifetime opportunity for families, professionals and people with Down's Syndrome to share information and experiences about the condition. 

Common Weal director Robin McAlpine says Scotland should take some inspiration from the Croatian football team, and remember that no underdog has ever won with a fearful mindset

THERE’S no doubt that Croatia has some very good footballers. But they nearly won a world cup in which they were behind in every single knock-out game and had to fight it into extra time on each occasion to win.

That's not good football alone; that's attitude, determination, strength.

LGBTI sports charity seeks to address ‘thorn in our side’ of sports discrimination with fortnight of events

NOW IN its sixth year, LGBTI charity Leap Sports’ ‘Festival Fortnight’, running 1-17 June, will play host to a varied selection of events and activities across Scotland, with the aim of boosting visibility and participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in Scottish sport.

Tory MP and referee’s gypsy stance referred to Scottish Football Association

Members of Orkney ViQueens speak to CommonSpace about how they’re finding their feet in a sport which is as new to them as it is to the archipelago

“I HAVE never done well with team sports, partly because I’m deaf and so I struggle with groups and communication, especially when the people are moving. When I started doing research, I found that the level of support and inclusivity in roller derby meant it didn’t feel overwhelming.”

Members of Glasgow Roller Derby speak to CommonSpace about how it all began, where they’re headed and what makes this women-led sport so special

"THE first time I saw the league training I was in total awe. This powerful group of women whizzing round on skates, wheels screeching as they stopped, and shooting off in the opposite direction."

Ahead of the 10th anniversary event where she will play her first game outside of training, new member Femme Fatality reflects on her experience of joining the league.

CommonSpace columnist Michael McEwan gives an overview of Street Soccer Scotland, and says football can have a positive effect on social problems

I WOULD say that the number one sport in Scotland is football, and it's not just reserved to the parks and the terraces. 

Street Soccer Scotland was founded in 2009 as a social enterprise which uses football-inspired training and personal development as a medium to empower people who are affected by social exclusion, to help make positive changes in their lives. 

Fans Against Criminalisation (FAC) campaigner Paul Quigley says any action short of a repeal from the Scottish Government on the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act is not good enough

THE Scottish Government revealed plans last week to lodge a review of hate crimes and has included in this the much-maligned Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012. 

The founders of Glasgow’s junior queer roller derby league speak to CommonSpace about stage names, feminism and setting an example

"WE aim to enhance our lives through sweat, solidarity, endorphins, contribution, community, and glitter." These are the inviting words of Resistance Roller Derby Glasgow’s Facebook page, and ones which encapsulate the ethos it is seeking to create with its fledgling league.

Study shows 66 per cent believe sport has a problem with homophobia and transphobia. Fifteen-year-old Devon McCole, who is on a week’s work experience placement from St Margaret Mary’s Secondary in Castlemilk, reports for CommonSpace

NEW research from Stonewall has raised concerns about attitudes towards LGBT+ people in sport.