NET GAINS FOR COMMUNITY
Whitletts charity putting their skills to good use off the pitch
Football stars of the future are among those hardest hit by the coronavirus shutdown.
With the grassroots game facing an extended period in cold storage, aspiring footballers have been left on the sidelines.
But one North Ayr club has refused to let lockdown put its operation on ice.
Whitletts Vics in the Community is the charitable arm of the West of Scotland League side.
And thanks to funding from the National Lottery Awards for All, Foundation Scotland and Tesco Bags of Help, Vics have been delivering meals each week to vulnerable families in the community.
They have also devised a range of programmes to keep players in top shape during the shutdown.
And an activity box packed with a range of items is being delivered to each player.
Coaching sessions are also being provided for children of key workers in the emergency staff school hub at Cherry Tree.
Blair Monaghan, vice chair of the charity, said: “We have achieved a great deal in a short time. We have a hardworking committee, fantastic coaches and volunteers and a great spirit among a lot of people in our community.
“We hope everyone is keeping safe during the current health crisis and look forward to seeing all our players and families once things return to normal after Covid- 19.”
Since its formation in April 2018, the Vics scheme has grown to involve more than 140 children on a weekly basis.
Volunteers and coaching staff have provided organised football sessions during the Easter, summer and October school holidays, evening sessions in the multi- use games areas at Braehead and Newton Primary schools, after - school activities at Dalmilling, Braehead and Newton Primary schools, and Wallacetown and Salvation Army nursery classes.
And success of the community programmes led to demand for more.
Over the past year the club started with teams at age eight and ten which has now grown to establishing teams training and playing matches throughout the year from age five through to 19.
Blair added: “These activities are open to all children aged five to 12 and the evening sessions in the community facilities accommodate 12 to 16.
“All community activities are provided free of charge so that no one is excluded based on the ability to pay.
“These activities have been a great success helping to improve health and the wellbeing among all participants, making lots of new friends and improving self- esteem to create the special feeling of a real family atmosphere.
“We’ve been able to do this thanks to the support of some key funders including South Ayrshire Charitable Trust, National Lottery Awards for all, McDonald’s, Tesco Bags of Help, Asda, Ayrshire Housing, Cash for Kids and many more.
“We are fortunate to have funding in place to continue these programmes after the Covid- 19 lockdown.”
To find out more visit their Facebook page Whitletts Vics in the Community.