SYFA Scottish Cup 2025‑26: Thrills, upsets and emerging talent across all age groups

Background of the Competition

The Scottish Youth Football Association was formed in 1999, with the SYFA Scottish Cup starting in the early 2000s after the SYFA took over national grassroots competitions. It is mainly for community/amateur youth clubs, and there are multiple age-group Scottish Cups (U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, etc.). It has become the main national cup for grassroots football in Scotland.

How it unfolded…

U13 Scottish Youth FA Cup 2025‑26

Semi-Finals

Hutchison Vale FC 2–3 Holytown Colts FC

“Lleyton opened the scoring with a brilliant finish after getting on the end of a ball from Sam. A dangerous corner from Aiden went straight in to make it 2–0. But Hutchie Vale weren’t done, hitting back with two quick goals to send it in at 2–2 at half-time. With the game going end-to-end in the second half, Sam reacted quickest to a loose ball from a corner and slotted home the winner to make it 3–2! The boys dug in, defended brilliantly and saw the game out.” (Holytown Colts 2013 Facebook page)

West End FC 3-0 Riverside FC Sky Blues

“With a big crowd in attendance, the game started at a fast pace. Riverside had the first chance inside seconds, but Kai reacted well to gather the low shot. West End quickly settled and took the lead soon after. Aiden drove forward, and his cross caused problems in the box, with the ball eventually falling to Jaxon, who took a great touch past the defender before firing goalwards, with a deflection helping the ball into the net.

 The boys continued to dominate and doubled their lead in 25 minutes. Finlay cushioned a ball into Jaxon’s path, who returned the favour with an excellent pass for Finlay to calmly slot home. Just before half-time West End grabbed a crucial third. A brilliant first touch from Finlay set Aiden through, and after using his pace to get in front of the defender, he was brought down in the box.

Aiden stepped up and confidently fired the penalty low into the corner. The second half was more even, with Riverside hitting the post and Rory producing a couple of fine saves. West End continued to create chances with Aiden, Finlay, Kyle and Jack all going close, while Jaxon had a late effort blocked after a strong run from Jamie. Another excellent performance from the team, solid defensively and dangerous going forward. Reaching a national cup final in their first competitive season is a fantastic achievement, and all the coaches are incredibly proud of the group. A big thank you to Cove Rangers for allowing us to host the match at the Balmoral Stadium, and well done to Riverside on a great run in the competition.” (West End FC Facebook page)

Final: Holytown Colts FC v West End FC

26th April 2026

U14 Scottish Youth FA Cup 2025‑26

Semi-Finals

Bonnyton Thistle FC 1-2 Lochend Football Academy

“Played practically the whole game with 10 men after a forth minute red card. What a team effort.  ‘I’m overjoyed. Lochend Academy in yet another final of the big cup. A third Scottish cup final for our club in the last three years at the U15/2009, U14/2010 and now U14/2012 year group ages. Remarkable. Well done, coaches, players and parents. What a magical day for us all.” (Lochend Facebook page)

“Today wasn’t our day, we came back out from 2-0 down at half time fighting and after a goal from Owen, the buzz was there to keep going; however, the Lochend goalie saved and saved… The boys should be incredibly proud of themselves for getting to the semi-final. To make the last four in the Scottish cup is incredible!” (Bonnyton Thistle)

Giffnock Soccer Centre 3-1 Drumchapel United

“They did it . Giffnock Soccer Centre 2012s have reached the Scottish Cup final for the second year running after a 3-1 win over Drumchapel in the semis yesterday!” (Giffnock Soccer Centre Facebook page)

“Not the result we hoped for today in our Scottish Cup semi-final with Giffnock SC deservedly winning the game. Boys should be proud of the run we’ve had to get to the semis” (Drumchapel United 2012s Facebook Page)

Final: Giffnock Soccer Centre  v Lochend Football Academy

26th April 2026

U15 Scottish Youth FA Cup 2025‑26

Semi-Finals

Rossvale FC City 2–6 Eastside Rapids

“This achievement didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of hard work, dedication and resilience from the players, along with the commitment of parents and coaches who have all bought into the club’s ethos of long-term development. Moments like this are earned through the daily standards, the difficult sessions, the setbacks, and the determination to keep improving.

What makes us most proud isn’t just the result. It’s how these players conducted themselves throughout the match and the entire journey. They represented the club with class, humility and respect, showing the character they have developed both on and off the pitch.

Watching these boys grow into respectful young men as well as talented athletes is what the club is truly about.” (Eastside Rapids Facebook page)

Leith Athletic 5-1 Thorn Athletic YFC

Final: Leith Athletic v Eastside Rapids

26th April 2026

U16 Scottish Youth FA Cup 2025‑26

Semi-Finals

Kilwinning Rangers Madrid 3 – 3 East Kilbride Reds  (Kilwinning Rangers Madrid won on penalties)

Kilwinning led 2-0 at halftime, establishing an early advantage. East Kilbride recovered hard after the break, netting a penalty and a late equaliser to make the score 3-3 at the end of normal time. With nothing separating the sides after 80-90 minutes, the tie went to penalty shootout, which Kilwinning Rangers won and advanced to the final.

Lochend FA 3–0 Dundee United

A clear attacking performance from Lochend and a strong defensive display to keep a clean sheet. Scoring three goals against a well‑structured Dundee United youth side highlights Lochend’s quality at this level. Dundee United’s respectable cup run ended in the semi‑final. This side remains a strong youth programme but were beaten comprehensively on the day. Their performance in the cup and league is part of Dundee United’s ongoing youth development emphasis.

“That’s four consecutive seasons for the 2010s group in the Scottish cup from age groups u13-u16s. Semi-final – Final – Semi-final and now Final again.  ‘What a group’. All outstanding, but our Captain, Leo was just superb. As I said the whole 16 lads just immense.  Every one of them is a big part of what we do.  All players got on and did their bit. We keep it humble and leave this now until the mid-April build-up and focus on our other games. Lochend FA have 2 teams in the Scottish cup final and the only club in Scotland to do so.  This club is another level.  Possibly the smallest Edinburgh club, surrounded by bigger clubs in an area steeped in grassroots football.  It’s the second time in our short history we’ve done this now.  2023/24 season we had our then u15s 2009 cup winners and u14 2010 runners up. It will be our 4th Scottish Cup final appearance in the last 3 seasons. To get two finalists in this 2025/26 season.” (Lochend FA Facebook page)

Final: Lochend FA v Kilwinning Rangers Madrid

26th April 2026

U17s Scottish Youth FA Cup 2025‑26

Semi-Finals

Rossvale FC 0-7 Knightswood Football Club

“Scintillating stuff from the lads today as we reached the Scottish Cup Final with a breathtaking win over Rossvale.” (Knightswood FC 2009s X)

Cumbernauld Colts FC Black 1-0 Westdyke Community Club

“A massive congratulations to Colts 2009 Black who defeated Westdyke in the U17 Scottish Youth Cup Semi Final yesterday evening at Ochilview.” (Cumbernauld Colts FC Facebook page)

“After a very tough, hard-fought game last night, sadly our boys lost their semi-final 1-0. They can hold their heads high after another great Scottish Cup run, after also getting to the final two years ago. Well done, lads. We wish Cumbernauld all the best in the final.” (Westdyke Community Club Facebook page)

Final: Cumbernauld Colts FC Black v Knightswood Football Club

25th April 2026

U18s Scottish Youth FA Cup 2025‑26

Semi-Finals

Hampden Football Club 3-1 Broxburn Athletic Colts

“Outstanding character today from the lads to go behind and come back the way we did. 1-1 at ht but once we scored the second, our class showed through. Michael with the equaliser, Ryan with the scissor kick, and Charlie with a great finish.” (Hampden Football Club 08s X)

East Kilbride F.C. 2-1 St Cadocs Youth Club Rovers

“A great performance and victory sees the EKFC U18 progress to the SYFA Scottish Cup Final! An excellent first half could have seen us score more goals and was followed by a second half of resolute defending.” (EKFC U18s Development Squad X)

“The Scottish Cup journey comes to an end after a hard-fought semi-final. It’s been a fantastic run this season with tough away ties and great team performances to reach this stage. The boys gave everything and should be proud of how far they’ve come.” (scycrovers2008 Instagram)

Final: Hampden Football Club v East Kilbride F.C.