The Hive Celebrates One Year

Supporting 300 Young People and Driving a Joined-Up Community Effort in Clackmannanshire!

The Hive Celebrates One Year Supporting 300 Young People and Driving a Joined-Up Community Effort in Clackmannanshire

The Hive in Alloa is celebrating its first anniversary on 8 April 2026, marking a year of transforming a disused town centre venue into a thriving, youth-led community hub at the heart of Clackmannanshire.

Delivered by Wasp Community Club with the backing of Alloa Athletic Football Club, The Hive has engaged over 300 young people from P6 to S4 in its first year, providing a safe, inclusive space built on relationships, trust and opportunity.

A key driver of this success has been its strong partnership with Alloa Academy, alongside ongoing work with schools across Clackmannanshire, creating a clear pathway between education and community support.

This approach has strengthened early intervention and ensured consistent engagement with young people across the area.

The project sits within a wider joined-up Clackmannanshire approach, aligned to the priorities of the Family Wellbeing Partnership and the Planet Youth Coalition.

The collaboration brings together partners across education, health, community and the third sector to deliver coordinated support and maximise impact.

The Hive has also been supported by the backing of the SPFL Trust, using the power of football to create a space that feels accessible, trusted and free from stigma.

National news coverage has highlighted how this model demonstrates football’s role as a gateway to wider community support and services.

In its first year, the project has secured a commitment of over £250,000 in funding, reflecting strong confidence from funders and partners in both the model and its impact.

Due to demand, The Hive has already expanded its offer to include a Primary 4 and Primary 5 programme, with places quickly filled, highlighting the need and strength for engagement with younger age groups.

Beyond engagement, The Hive has created clear pathways into volunteering, training and employment, contributing to significant organisational growth, with staffing has increased from 1 to 7 roles within the first year, creating new opportunities for local people.

Looking ahead, The Hive aims to further strengthen these pathways by developing targeted employability programmes for young people aged 16-25, supporting progression into training, education and work.

Alongside its youth provision, The Hive has delivered:

•⁠  ⁠Free youth sessions during weekends and school holidays

•⁠  ⁠A community café, supported by CTSI and the Family Wellbeing Collaborative, which was established through initial investment from SGN and the SPFL Trust, providing food, warmth and access to advice and support

•⁠  ⁠Partnership delivery with schools, Police Scotland and local services

•⁠  ⁠A shared space used by a wide range of organisations across Clackmannanshire

The café has become a key point of contact for families and individuals, offering practical support alongside opportunities to connect with services in a trusted, informal environment.

The impact has been significant, supporting reductions in antisocial behaviour, increasing community engagement and creating positive pathways for young people.

Local partners and police have noted improvements in behaviour and community pride linked to the project.

As it enters its second year, The Hive aims to build on this momentum, expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships and continuing to provide meaningful pathways for young people across Clackmannanshire.

Speaking on the anniversary, Project Manager Antony McMinn said: “The Hive has never just been about a building, it’s about creating a space where young people feel they belong and where support is joined up around them.

“In our first year, we’ve seen what happens when young people, schools and partners come together with a shared purpose.

“Reaching over 300 young people shows both the need and the opportunity we have to make a real difference.

“This is driven by the commitment of our staff and volunteers, and the support of our partners and wider community.”