Two young performers from Glasgow have been named joint winners of a national filmmaking competition celebrating Scotland's qualification for the men's football World Cup.
Joe, 11, and Emma, 12, won the Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA's) Summer of Football challenge with creative films exploring what football means to them.
The duo, who attend the Shawlands-based performing arts school, impressed judges with their creative entries to the competition for children from across Scotland.
Joe’s winning film, Beyond the Pitch, celebrates his passion for football, exploring how the sport has taught him confidence, teamwork and dedication.
He compares the preparation required in football to theatre, while highlighting the inspiration he draws from his football heroes and his father, who coaches and supports him.
Judges praised the entry for its “creativity and ability to capture the excitement that football brings to players and fans alike.”
Emma’s winning film, Pitch Perfect, takes the form of a poem. She reflects on supporting Scotland, enjoying match days at Hampden Park, playing with her brother, and what the 2026 World Cup means to her.
Her entry impressed judges with its “originality, energy and celebration of Scotland’s football spirit.”
As joint winners, Joe and Emma each receive a LEGO football worth £100 and a Pauline Quirke Academy merchandise bundle.
Their films are available to watch on the PQATV YouTube channel alongside all the other entries.
Joe said: “I was absolutely delighted when I received the news I was a winner in the competition. I am so excited about the World Cup and getting to watch countries across the world play amazing football.
“Making the video highlighted to me how much I enjoy football and I was able to put my filming skills I have learned at PQA to good use.”
READ NEXT:
-
Woolly Scotland football heroes appear on Glasgow postbox topper
-
Tartan Army take over Miami as Scotland and Brazil fans unite in Ocean Drive parade
Emma said: "I had such a good time making the film, and it just added to the excitement of waiting for the World Cup to kick off.”
Yasmin Bryce, principal of Pauline Quirke Academy Glasgow, said: “I am incredibly proud of both Joe and Emma on designing, filming and editing such moving films.
“Their creativity, hard work and passion for football shine through. I love how they have used all of the skills they have been practising at PQA to cheer on Scotland and champion strong team spirit across sport and the performing arts.
“Huge well done to both of these fantastic students and their wonderful families who support them so well.”
Pauline Quirke Academy Glasgow welcomes children aged four to 18, offering high-quality performing arts training combined with essential life and social skills. As well as singing and dancing, students also have the opportunity to explore comedy, story writing, TV and filmmaking.
Share