Pitchappeal inbidtostop vandalism
A fundraising appeal has been launchedfeaturing film inspired by the infamous‘Choose Life’speechfrom the movieTrainspotting, in a bid to stop vandalism attacksonStrathaven’s W3ST sports facility.
In recent monthsthecommunity facilityhas beenvandalisedwith perspex dugouts needing to be replaced, nets set onfire,glass and rubbish strewn on the pitch and arugby crossbar was also bent.
Committee members madetheshort video as part of an appeal to help raise the£10,000 needed toinstall CCTV at the facility, which iss ared by Strathaven Dynamo FCand Strathaven Rugby Club, and to reducetheimpact felt by theCovid-19 ph a
nd e m ic . A JustGiving page has been set up, featuring the‘ChooseW3ST’film, allowing regular users of the pitch to help them reach their goal
Restrictionsonpaid-forletso f t h e combinedfootball and rugby 3G pitch, and acurb on indoor fundraisers means thecombinedWhiteshawgate 3G SportsTrust (W3ST) committee are feeling the pinch.
Thecharity is working hard toavoid the potential closureof the pitch to all by organised teams, and saysthat CCTV is nownecessary to deal withmindless acts ofvandalism.
Grant Law, chair ofW3ST, said:“We havesought to avoid reaching outto thecommunityfor funding support.
“We all recognise the bigger picture facing our society and appreciate how theeffects of the pandemic have tragically affected thelivesof so many people.
“We manageour funds well, butthe pandemic has drained resources and the unforeseen costs ofnecessary security equipmentand replacement ofdamaged items haveledusto creating thisappeal forsupport.
“If successful,wecankeep the pitch openfor all casual users, ratherthan locking it up and allowing useonly by held those accountable who hire it out.d for a a g ecaused.”
“Hopefully this will makethose responsiblethink twice about misusing the pitch and surround im
ng areas and be W3ST have fundraised £800,000 for the facility since it opened in 2017.
Colin Dalgarno,fromStrathaven Rugby Club, who is also aW3ST committee member, said:“We are about to emerge from lockdown restrictionsand onceagain realise how importanta facility like we haveat W3ST is going to be.
“We hopethat as many people as possible canhelpusthrough this situation, and allow theclub to keep its groundsopen as we haveendeavoured to doover many years.”
To donate to theChooseW3ST appeal visit https://www.justgiving. com/campaign/choosew3st