Cash boost for bid to net new facility
APRIESTHILL football club have netted a bumper cash boost in their bid to score a major new facility. Hillwood FC were given a £ 1000 donation by kind- hearted developers McTaggart Construction to spend on work at their Hillwood Park home.
The cash will go towards the club’s ambitious plans to build a new clubhouse and accessible changing facilities, while also helping with day- to- day running costs.
Willie Smith, who founded Hillwood in 1966, said: “It all helps make the place affordable for the kids.
“We try desperately hard to keep the costs down as much as possible, especially in an area such as this.
“It’s fantastic and companies like McTaggart are few and far between to find.
“Sponsorship and the like has fallen back quite dramatically but McTaggart has always there to support us.”
Mr Smith has been at the heart of Glasgow’s football scene for more than half a century, helping the likes of Alex McLeish and Kenny Burns take their first steps in the game.
It’s hoped the clubhouse, which is set to open next year, will now help the team inspire the next generation.
“I am really pleased with how things are going,” Mr Smith added. “The community has come round and is 100% with us.
“We will hope to get the project finished next year after delaying it due to Covid- 19.
“Having been at it for 20 years, I’m not too fussed about waiting another year.
“What a difference it will make. “It’s the dream.” Hillwood are also working closely with Elite Disability Sports Club, a Glasgow- based team which welcomes players from across the country with additional needs. Former Everton and Pollok FC player Joe McAlpine is the man behind Elite and he is hopeful the new facility will provide a place for youngsters of all levels
to try out the game in a welcoming space.
Mr McAlpine, whose son plays for Hillwood’s 2013 side, said: “The facilities are a massive thing, especially for the community as well as the club.
“It will bring a lot of people to the club and it’s going to be amazing.
“Bringing kids with disabilities to the club shows where the club is aiming, where it’s going, and it will hopefully attract more kids to come out and try the sport.”
Gary Climson, director of McTaggart Construction, said: “Grassroots football and sport in general is absolutely fantastic for local communities.
“It’s not just physical but it’s certainly mental health as well.
“There’s also an affinity there as well.
“I played football around 38/ 39 and importance of it.
“I’ve known Willie for years and I know how much good work he does.”
Mr Climson from the Ayrshire- based firm, who will also display an advertising board at the pitch this season, added: “It’s not even about football at times.
“It’s also about integrating them into the community.
“This is somewhere to go and keep them off the street and hopefully it’s a place to keep them away from the bad habits.
“Anything we can do to support this, we are only too happy to help.” until I was I know the