Melrose plan plastic pitch at Greenyards

Next year’s Melrose Sevens, the 127th staging of the oldest tournament in the world, will be the last to be played on grass if the club can raise enough money through crowd-funding for a major revamp of their historic Greenyards home.

Thebordersclubannounced yesterday the launch of the first phase of their “1883 Legacy Project” to install a 3G pitch with floodlights at the Greenyards, following a period of consultation with community, public and private sector partners.

The abbreviated game was invented in Melrose in 1883.

The plans were announced at the start of last season, with the pitch and floodlights to be followed by wider work to the main stand and grounds, providing community facilities.

The second phase of the project would be to replace the current clubhouse, changing rooms and stand, with a modern day multipurpose community facility.

A Melrose statement said: “It goes without saying that the club would not be able to accomplish what we do without the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, and we have great plans for the future with the launch of our 1883 Legacy Project.

“We intend to achieve all of this with funding and grant applications, various fundraising activities and sponsorship opportunities.”

Melrose president Trevor Jackson said: “This is an exciting prospect for the club to bring a vibrant, sporting community focus to Melrose and the Scottish Borders, we are working on the mantra that we are inspired by the past, delivering for the future.

“We sincerely hope that the community will enjoy the opportunities this project presents.”