SMiSA votes to back Glenvale – despite Scott’s concerns
SMiSA have pushed through proposals to financially back local amateur side, Glenvale BC – despite chairman Gordon Scott admitting concerns.
Glenvale will receive £1,820 as part of the most recent spend by the trust to help provide coaching for youngsters in the local area. In the wake of the proposal being put to vote, the Saints chairman insisted it put him and the club in a difficult position due to St Mirren providing their own coaching through Street Stuff.
He said at the time:“I explained to SMiSA that the club already provide these programmes through our Street Stuff and community programmes so they would effectively be funding a project that would impact on our existing classes.
“I also explained that if they put this option in then I would be forced to post this article and that in itself could jeopardise our relationship with Glenvale. Despite this they have decided to include it in the £2 spend anyway.
“I need to support the staff at this football club who I am constantly pushing to increase numbers at our community classes.
“I feel that I would not be giving our staff the support they deserve if I was to not make the clubs position clear on this.”
However, SMiSA members have voted through the proposals. with 53 per cent of voters supporting the option.
SMiSA have moved to reassure members that there is no issue between them and the club in the wake of the vote, with meassures being taken to ensure that Glenvale’s funding will not impact on the club’s own initiatives.
A SMiSA spokesman explained: “Some members will have noticed that the Glenvale BC project stimulated a bit of debate, with concerns raised this could be seen as in competition with the club’s own community programme.
“To explain how this came about, SMiSA were approached by Glenvale weeks ago with a good presentation on their plans to provide coaching for youngsters who may not otherwise have been able to afford it.
“As a community benefit society, SMiSA felt this was in keeping with our purpose and agreed to put the project to members as part of the ballot.
“The club’s concerns were put to us and taken on board, however it was decided we should let our members choose if they wanted to support the project or not.
“We have talked it through with Gordon Scott and the club, and all parties have agreed to work together to minimise any impact on the club’s community sessions. Part of Glenvale’s proposal is to host sessions in the Airdome, meaning there will be rental income for the club.
“SMiSA is very supportive of the excellent work done by the club’s own community team, who we are pleased our members also this month agreed to support through the purchase of new equipment.”