Main content

The Rise

Episode 1 of 3

All across Scottish football, at every level, youth-led ultras groups are transforming match days. But who is shaping this movement, and what responsibility comes with rising power?

All across Scottish football, at every level, youth-led ultras groups are transforming match days. Inspired by European terrace culture, and amplified through TikTok and YouTube, young fans are organising with precision, designing vast banner displays, coordinating marches and igniting pyrotechnics that turn stadiums into theatre.

This episode explores how and why it has taken hold, and we meet ten-year-old Jayden, who is discovering the ultras online, and the mum backing his growing obsession. We also follow vlogger Blair, whose access and content have accelerated the movement’s reach, and the young supporters forming groups from scratch, determined to seize the atmosphere at their clubs.

While some see the spark of something special, psychologists and police see something faster and harder to predict. As banners are painted and drums lifted, match day swells with a scale and intensity that few expected. At its best, this is belonging and collective joy, but as the spectacle grows, so does its influence. Who is shaping this movement, and what responsibility comes with rising power?

11 months left to watch

44 minutes

Audio described

Last on

Tue 17 Mar 2026 22:40

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

See all episodes from Ultras

Clip

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Mark Bonnar
Production Manager Laura Jamieson
Series Producer Andy Maas
Executive Producer Ian Greenhill

Broadcasts

Featured in...