Local club that’s top of its game
Their award-winning team aims to excel
Broxburn United Sports Club are hoping to build on their awardwinning year after being named 2017’s Best Sports Club in West Lothian by West Lothian Council.
But, while, the club admitted they were delighted with the award they ensured they wouldn’t be resting on their laurels as they continue to provide activities for the local community of all ages.
Club Development Officer, Aidan Forbes commented: “We were very pleased to win the award but we want to continue moving forward and adding new ideas and sessions.
“We feel that we’re making a great impact and offering plenty of opportunities to the local community to get involved in fun ways to keep fit and play sports.
“We have facilities to offer all sorts to groups and parties who want to get involved and we want to go front strength to strength.”
He added: “We had Team United running for a spell last season, which was a pilot scheme for youngsters with autism who wanted to play football and that was a massive success.
“We’re hoping that can run again this year and we’re also looking to add dance classes for children with autism because we want to offer something different for those who want to get involved but aren’t really interested in football.”
He added: “It was incredible to see how far the kids came during the course. There were a few who really didn’t have much interaction with other children with autism and you could see them coming out of their shell over the weeks.
“They would go from little interaction to being comfortable being part of organised football matches and creating a lot of new friendships.
“Autism football isn’t recognised yet by the Scottish Football Association which ultimately has an impact on things like funding for these projects, but we can see that’s it’s something that was of vital importance to the youngsters who were taking part and the parents and carers as well.”
The club have also agreed a link- up with West Lothian Wildcats Netball Club to offer training and classes at Broxburn Academy, with Aidan commenting: “Netball is really a sport that is growing constantly and we can see that from the numbers at the Wildcats.
“They’re a great club and we were delighted that they agreed to link up with us and we hope that it’s a great partnership.”
Former Livingston, Aberdeen and Dundee striker Steven Craig, who is from the town, is also involved with the club at Albyn Park and is looking to produce the next Liam Henderson through the Planet Soccer sessions that he runs.
Henderson, who recently left Celtic for Italian club Bari and was part of Hibernian’s Scottish Cup winning side, is a product of Broxburn United’s youth teams.
Craig said: “Planet Soccer was an idea started by a friend of mine and it’s really taken off. It’s about improving the skill set of youngsters aged between four and 10 who are really at the early stages of their development.
“We want to ensure that there’s a constant flow of talented young footballers coming through the area and you can see the difference in their ability after just a few sessions.
“The classes teach technique and other aspects of the game that really aims to build up a player’s skill set and then they can go back to their clubs and play games with that extra knowledge.
“We also have a goalkeeper’s course which is run by Jamie Ewings, who is a goalkeeper at Dumbarton FC so it’s not just for outfield players.”
For more information about Broxburn United Sports Club, contact them directly on 01506 858057.
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