Extra time for footy pitches

Hamilton’s Powerleague base on Bothwell Road appears to have been saved from closure.

A proposal to close 13 Powerleague sites as part of a CVA (Company Voluntary Agreement) was approved back in October.

The company proposed a CVA as a “last resort following three years of declining like-for-like revenues, and failed attempts to turn around the business through alternative means”.

Following a comprehensive review of the business, the directors identified 13 sites for closure, including Hamilton.

It had been anticipated that the sites scheduled for closure would shut by the end of January, however, the Lanarkshire base shared an update to the contrary through social media on December 22.

A Facebook post from Powerleague Hamilton stated that Fives (Hamilton) Limited would take over from February.

It further confirmed that bookings would proceed as normal.

The statement read: “Great news for Hamilton footballers. The staff of Powerleague Hamilton are delighted to announce that the football fun is set to continue at the Bothwell Road site as Fives(hamilton) Limited will take over the site from 1st February 2019.

“The staff would like to thank you for your loyalty in recent weeks and months and can confirm that there will be no disruption to any existing football, function or kids party bookings.

“If you would like to confirm a booking of any kind please contact us on 01698 282828.

“We will keep you informed of any developments and look forward to seeing you all again in the New Year.

“Best wishes for the festive period from all the staff at Powerleague Hamilton.”

The news was welcomed by Facebook followers, including Caroline Stewart, who said: “Fab news,” while Scott Kennedy commented: “Superb news! Delighted for waistline!”

Andrew Ure said: “So chuffed for the staff at this time of year especially.”

John Dunn added: “Brilliant news for all the staff and coaches.”

The Hamilton site has hosted five-aside pitches for more than two decades.

Powerleague provided five-a-side football facilities with over 440 pitches across 50 sites in the UK and Ireland, directly employing over 580 people.

It is estimated the closure of the 13 identified sites would have led to the loss of 109 jobs. all the staff and for my