Glasgow 2014 Star Charlie Flynn Backing Boost for Team Scotland Youth Trust

February 12, 2026

One of Team Scotland’s stars of Glasgow 2014 is “buzzing like a jar of wasps” at the news that the Team Scotland Youth Trust (TSYT) – which provides financial awards and educational opportunities to promising young athletes –  is one of three Scottish organisations set to receive a major boost from a new charity fundraising drive linked to the return of the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow.

Twelve years ago, boxer Charlie Flynn delivered a spectacular gold and captured the nation’s imagination with memorable post-bout interviews thanking his mum for doing his washing and praising supporters who “looked like ants but roared like lions.”

“The Mailman” was one of the most recognisable faces of 2014 and he was on hand to lend his support to the partnership at Glasgow Boxing Academy, just across the Clyde from the SEC, where the boxing will be held this summer.

Through the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, the official charity of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, 50% of all Games-linked donations will stay in Scotland with funds supporting the Team Scotland Youth Trust, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and Scottish Sports Futures. The remaining 50% will fund sport-for-development programmes such as GAPS, which aims to remove barriers to participation for Para athletes across the Commonwealth.

Having been supported by the TSYT as he developed from Commonwealth Youth Games silver medallist in 2011 to his career-defining moment three years later, and crediting Glasgow Children’s Hospital with saving his son’s life, Charlie has a deeply personal connection to the charities benefitting.

He said: “The Games returning to Glasgow brings back memories of two weeks that changed my life.

 “I’ll never forget walking out and hearing that noise. I felt like the whole city was behind me. Glasgow 2014 did incredible things for me, but it also did incredible things for people’s belief in the city.

“But a far bigger moment for me was when my son’s life was saved by an emergency heart operation at Glasgow Children’s Hospital. I’m just so pleased that its charity will benefit from people enjoying the Games, alongside two other organisations helping people transform their lives through the power of sport.

“I guess you could say I’m buzzing like a jar of wasps that the Games are coming back to Glasgow. And even more so knowing the impact will be felt long beyond this summer through these incredible charities getting much-needed support.”

Inspired by the impact of fundraising during Glasgow 2014, the Commonwealth Sport Foundation was established to help address some of the world’s greatest challenges and to support sport and development programmes in each host city, with a focus on youth, inclusion and community. The Foundation has so far raised almost £5 million to help change the lives of athletes and communities.

Commonwealth Sport Foundation Chair, Adrian Lismore said: “After Glasgow 2014, there was a clear feeling in this city that the Games had meant something more. The Commonwealth Sport Foundation was created to turn that passion into something permanent.

“With your help and donations, we exist to ensure that wherever the Games are hosted, the legacy continues. “As with every host city and the amazing charity partners of the Games, we want to make sure Glasgow 2026 leaves the city stronger.”

Gavin Hastings, Team Scotland Youth Trust Chair, said: “This announcement highlights the powerful role the Commonwealth Sport Foundation and the Games more broadly can play in strengthening sport in Scotland, by supporting organisations like the Team Scotland Youth Trust.

“We see every day how the Trust inspires and unlocks the potential of the next generation of Team Scotland athletes, and the funding generated by the Foundation helps provide them with the opportunities, resources and experiences they need to grow and succeed in sport.”

Fans purchasing Glasgow 2026 tickets or official merchandise will be invited to add a donation at checkout, with funds supporting the three chosen Glasgow charities. Supporters will also be able to make standalone donations via the Commonwealth Sport Foundation

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