Rotary show support for trust pitch project
The Rotary Club of Strathaven donated thousands of pounds to back a new sports facility in the town.
The club gave £2000 to the Whiteshawgate 3G Sports Trust (W3ST) to help build the town’s first full-sized 3G floodlit pitch.
Strathaven Dynamo and Strathaven Rugby club, who make up the trust, welcomed the support.
They began work on the new pitches this year and Rotary president Margaret Morton, along with Robert Howe and Ian Valentine, visited the site to see how the new facility is progressing.
The money was raised at the club’s annual sportsman’s dinner.
Margaret said: “It was great to be able to see the excellent progress that is being made with the pitch.
“We just think, in these difficult economic times, that it is a fabulous opportunity that W3ST is giving to the local community and we are delighted to support it.
“We have always been very community-minded and it was with that in mind the Rotary Club of Strathaven, led last year by President Joyce Waddell, felt it was fitting to donate £2000 raised from our annual sportsman’s dinner to such a worthy local sporting cause.
“In essence, we are trying to promote sport locally and anything that can help local people keep healthy is a great thing.
“This new facility will certainly bring a whole lot of health benefits to the town.
“It is also fair to say we are also doing our wee bit with preventing global warming, as with this new facility there won’t be as many journeys being made by parents to and from training pitches in Hamilton, East Kilbride or even Lesmahagow.
“I can’t wait to come up here and watch the games of rugby and football that will be taking place here.
“There is nothing better than seeing the faces of the youngsters when they are having fun playing sport.”
W3ST trustee Frank McGraw said: “We can’t thank the Rotary Club enough for their fantastic donation and we can assure them it will be put to good use.
“Their support and encouragement have been brilliant and we look forward to building stronger links with them as we move forward.”
Garry Tough, president of Strathaven Rugby Club, said: “We have been very encouraged by the support from the Rotary Club and other organisations within the Strathaven community.
“This donation reinforces the belief in the W3ST project from amongst the local people and we are so grateful to them for their fundraising efforts.”
For more information, visit the Whiteshawgate3GSportsTrust Facebook page or email w3st.info@gmail.com.