One of Scottish football’s most fondly remembered indoor tournaments is set to return this autumn, as the SPFL Tennent’s Sixes makes its comeback at Braehead Arena.
Taking place across the weekend of 3 and 4 October, the revived small-sided competition will bring together legends from all 12 William Hill Premiership clubs, with players set to wear their teams’ official current-season kits. The action will also be broadcast live on Premier Sports.
The original Tennent’s Sixes became a much-loved fixture in the Scottish football calendar during its nine-year run from 1984 to 1993, capturing the imagination of supporters with its fast-paced format, memorable goals and festive atmosphere. Partick Thistle were the final winners of the cult trophy.
Now, with the official backing of the Scottish Professional Football League, organisers are aiming to blend the tournament’s nostalgic appeal with a modern, family-friendly event for a new generation of fans.
Saturday’s group stages will feature three regionalised groups of four teams. Each group winner and runner-up will progress to the knockout rounds, joined by the two highest-placed third-placed sides.
Every match will produce a winner, with a bonus point awarded to teams who triumph in a penalty shoot-out after a draw. The familiar sin bin will also return, adding another element of drama to the indoor contest.
Neil Doncaster, SPFL Group Chief Executive, said: “The Tennent’s Sixes has a special place in the hearts and minds of a generation of football fans and we are absolutely thrilled to get the band back together again with the official endorsement of the SPFL.
“There are many unofficial Masters events but only one SPFL Tennent’s Sixes: the original and best and one we are proud to put our name to, with the support and involvement of all 12 William Hill Premiership clubs.”
Braehead Arena Chief Executive Russell Smith said the response to the prospect of the tournament’s return had demonstrated its continued appeal.
“When we first floated the idea, the excitement and enthusiasm from everyone showed that it is a format that will absolutely resonate in 2026,” he said.
“A look on social media shows there remains a dedicated fanbase, channels and endless video footage of great goals from the tournament back in the day. We look forward to creating memories for new generations of football fans.
“That the original sponsor, Tennent’s, shared our enthusiasm is fantastic and we can’t wait to announce the fixtures, managers and star players in the coming days and weeks.”
Hazel Alexander, Senior Brand Manager at Tennent’s, added: “The return of the Tennent’s Sixes is sure to capture the imagination of football fans, with the original tournament continuing to live in Scottish football folklore.
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“We’ve already had a fantastic summer of football, and the stage is set for a new tranche of memories to be made, with the chance to reminisce about the tournament of old, but also to celebrate some legends of the game as they make their return to the pitch.”
Tickets for the SPFL Tennent’s Sixes will be available via the official event website.
