The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Young footballers unable to practise due to Travellers
Community: Animals and quad bikes on pitches
Young footballers have had their return to training thwarted as Gypsy Travellers have set up camp near the pitch and allowed ponies to roam on the grass.
Players for Cove Youth FC had been waiting for months to get together and practise their skills once again but were crestfallen when they arrived at the ground this week and found quad bikes zooming across the grass and animals grazing.
More than 300 players were ready to lace up their boots and take part in training, with social distancing measures in place, throughout the week but instead have had to play at Goals Aberdeen in Inverdee.
Club secretary Brian Johnston explained that the change of plan had come at some expense to the side.
He said: “A lot of work has gone into preparing the fields and the clubhouse to get the children playing again.
“Many of the children were very disappointed after waiting more than four months to get playing again to be turned away, but thankfully we have a great relationship with
Goals and they could fit some of us in.
“We are a Cove team and that is where we should be playing but we felt it was unsafe to host sessions while ponies and quad bikes were making use of the site.
“The mess left behind will be our biggest issue, but hopefully we can get back on the pitch and allow the children to play safely again very soon.”
Playing fields made use of by the club are under the ownership of property developer Muir Group, who it is understood have lodged a court order to move the Travellers on.
After being contacted by a concerned parent at the club, north-east MSP Liam Kerr said it was “shameful” the children were not able to play there.
He said: “I’m shocked and appalled to see this occur at Cove Gateway which is a fantastic facility.
“For months, the players have been waiting patiently for the chance to play again and to have this taken away from them is shameful.
“This situation is extremely disappointing for everyone at a time when it’s vital we encourage youngsters to get back outdoors and play sport as lockdown eases.