Football’s future in safe hands

His cross-party approach

New dad Fulton MacGregor has established a new cross- party group at the Scottish Parliament, on “the future of football in Scotland”.

The MSP received unanimous approval from Holyrood’s standards, procedures and public appointments committee to set up the new body.

Its purpose is to “drive forward improvements in the national game, from grassroots football to professional”, including examining the affordability of both playing and supporting the sport and improving access for disabled people.

He told MSPs on the standards committee of the new group: “I think it can provide a platform for all stakeholders to come together with fans and associations to promote the game.

“The Scottish Disabled Supporters’ Association have revealed troubling information about the struggle faced by many as they attend their chosen club’s games. Some stadiums are more accessible than others and we can perhaps look into that a bit more and see what lessons can be learned.

“In terms of young people’s access to the game, in many areas of Scotland we’ve moved to 3G and 4G pitches which are far too pricey to book.

“We need to capture some of the random play aspects that were available before, and we definitely need to do some work with local authorities in making these facilities more accessible for young people.”

Mr MacGregor is now the convener of the group, assisted by SNP colleague James Dornan and Conservative Jeremy Balfour.

Its members include a total of 12 MSPs plus the SFA, Scottish Women’s Football Association and Scottish Disabled Supporters’ Association.

The Coatbridge representative added: “I’m disappointed that so far, no female MSP has joined; the wider membership will ensure that the issues faced by women and girls in football are kept in sharp focus and the SWFA have agreed to play a full part and are very supportive.”

Answer ing questions from fellow parliamentarians on professional clubs’ community and social enterprise work, he singled out constituency club Albion Rovers for praise, saying: “They have a rich history of that.

“During school holidays they provide a training camp for youngsters; the club is right over from my office and we see hundreds of kids being dropped off for the day.

“They’re getting that interaction, and it’s definitely an area I’d like to look at more as it’s an area I’m passionate about.”

It can provide a platform for all stakeholders to come together to promote the game . . . MSP Fulton MacGregor