New pitch a hit with locals
It’s game on at grand opening
The young stars of the future were finally able to kick-off at Whiteshawgate last week.
Scottish Minister for Public Health and Sport, and Clydesdale MSP, Aileen Campbell blew the whistle to officially open Strathaven’s first-ever full-size 3G multi-sports pitch last week.
Run by the Whiteshawgate 3G Sports Trust (W3ST) – which is a partnership between Strathaven Rugby Club and Strathaven Dynamo AFC – the new facility cost £670,000 and also includes a topquality grass rugby pitch.
Cashback For Communities, Sportscotland, Renewable Energy Fund, Scottish Football Partnership, The Robertson Trust and the Moffat Trust have been the main backers for the state-of-theart project.
And the Strathaven community united to help raise £100,000 and reach the final target. Ms Campbell was delighted to see the pitches open and said: “The CashBack for Communities scheme takes money from those breaking the law and puts it directly into positive projects in communities across Scotland, such as this pitch for the community of Strathaven. Providing facilities like this not only helps to tackle inequalities but also encourages increased physical activity for people within that community by extending the recreational options open to them.
“I hope that this pitch will increase participation and bring positive outcomes to Strathaven and the surrounding villages.”
Grant Law, chair of W3ST, continued: “W3ST is an example of what is possible when local volunteers and clubs come together for the betterment of the community and the youngsters in particular.
“The rugby club and Dynamos have created something that can secure their futures and also add to our local amenities and the attraction of living in Strathaven and our surrounding villages.
“Thanks go to all our funding partners and in particular to Sportscotland and the Scottish Government’s Proceeds of Crime initiative, which has made this possible.”
I hope that the pitch will increase participation and bring positive outcomes to Strathaven Aileen Campbell MSP