The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Work on new pitch kicks off
APerthshire football club has kicked off plans to improve life in its community through joining in the beautiful game.
The Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Football Club (BRCFC) plans to inspire change in people’s mental and physical health through its work.
With funding from Perth and Kinross Council and the Gannochy Trust, work to create an all-weather 3G pitch has begun at Davie Park in Rattray.
Organisers hope it will encourage more people to have a kick about all year round.
And the first piece of turf was dug yesterday by Perth and Kinross Council leader Murray Lyle as phase one of the renovations got under way.
On completion, new floodlighting and car parking improvements will be in place alongside the all-weather pitch.
Organisers say the facility will help form greater community spirit and cohesion as a social hub, bringing individuals and groups together.
BRCFC trustee Sandy Thomson said: “Although the concept began in 2018, it has really been in the last six months that we all got our heads down and worked closely with officers of Perth and Kinross Council to get to this point.
“This has been a partnership between the council and the BRCFC that has proved that both public and private bodies can work together to bring about significant changes to a town’s facilities.
“Our vision is to improve the quality of life and outlook for all residents within the Blairgowrie and
Rattray community through participation in football and physical activity.
“We also use football to inspire change with mental health football, walking football, fun fit families, fun physical fitness for females only, and physical literacy for young people.”
He added: “Football and other sports struggle to remain active during the winter months as there is no suitable facilities nearby.”
Councillor Murray Lyle praised the team. He said: “It is a great example of the PK Offer in action, where the council works with local organisations to deliver what their communities need.
“What is even more remarkable is this project has been driven through during the coronavirus pandemic.”