Today, the SPFL announced our new multi-year deal as the new title sponsor of the KDM Evolution Trophy, previously known as the Challenge Cup. This trophy has a new competition format and a record-breaking prize pot.
The title partnership marks another milestone in KDM Group’s growing and significant support of Scottish football alongside our Soccer Centre partnership with the Scottish FA and stadium sponsorship of Dunfermline Athletic’s KDM Group East End Park.
The competition logo, also revealed today, features the illustration of the brand-new competition trophy which has been commissioned by the SPFL and KDM Group to celebrate this exciting new era for one of Scottish football’s best loved competitions. The final trophy will be unveiled this summer, in time for the tournament’s kick off.
An estimated £1.25 million in prize money will be shared with clubs for the 2025/26 KDM Evolution Trophy – an increase of more than 50% on this year’s competition.
Next season’s winners will receive £150,000, with increased prize money at every stage in the competition.
Competition format changes were confirmed earlier in the year alongside a new Scottish FA Cooperation System, which is designed to strengthen youth development in the Scottish game.
The changes to the KDM Evolution Trophy format were made following lengthy consultation with SPFL clubs and the launch of a Scottish FA Transition Phase report last year which sought to establish trends in successful player development from across the world, and those recommendations fed into discussions with clubs, the SPFL and Scottish FA.
You can learn more about the new format from the explainer video on the SPFL site.
Neil Doncaster, group chief executive of the SPFL, said: “We are really pleased to welcome KDM Group as the title sponsor for the KDM Evolution Trophy from season 2025/26, and to announce a significant rise in prize money for next season’s competition.
“KDM Group is a highly-respected and well-established firm in Scotland, the UK and beyond, and have already demonstrated a passion for Scottish football. They have a proud history of supporting our national sport and this long-term deal is really positive news for all 42 member clubs.
“We’re confident the new competition format will help develop some of our most promising players across the country. Allowing players to compete at a high level from the age of 15 will pay dividends for them, for their clubs and ultimately, for the national side.”
Doncaster added: “We’ve had long discussions with our member clubs and the Scottish FA about this new competition format and we’ve also introduced some key principles to reduce travel time and costs, particularly for William Hill League 1 and 2 clubs.
We would lastly like to thank the SPFL Trust and the donors who support them, who have been fantastic supporters of this competition for the last four seasons.”
Iain Jones, Chief Executive of KDM Group, said: "We’re incredibly proud to support the launch of this exciting new football competition and to see the KDM Evolution Trophy come to life. The name reflects the evolution of our business, from a small shopfitting company to a leading international brand. It mirrors the journey of this tournament and the aspiring players it supports. Our investment in football spans all levels of the game, from grassroots to the professional stage. Through our KDM Group Soccer Centres, we provide primary-aged schoolgirls access to the game whilst having fun, helping to grow the game from the ground up. We’ve previously been the official partner of the Scottish Cup and are proud sponsors of the Scotland Women’s National Team & Dunfermline Athletic FC.
This new tournament is another step forward, providing a platform for talent to grow and evolve, just as we have."
KDM Group offers a variety of construction services to blue-chip clients across the UK and Europe. These include general contractor, interior fit-out, mechanical and electrical, manufacturing, and design. The company is based in Dalgety Bay, Fife, with regional offices and operations throughout the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Ireland.
KDM Group – [email protected]
Dalgety Bay | Warrington | Leeds | Bristol | Chelmsford | Dublin | Zeeland
