Locked gates is no Euro legacy
Just a few miles away, Hampden will host Euro 2020 games this summer.
And local Castlemilk campaigner John Harkins believes the tournament’s legacy in the city shouldn’t be kids’ football pitches with padlocked gates.
Glasgow will welcome visitors for group games involving Scotland, Czech Republic and Croatia.
But in Harkins’ housing estate, players aren’t able to use Barlia Football Centre after chiefs said it’s closing following use of the pavilion as a Covid testing centre.
Glasgow Life, which runs facilities for the council, say for pitches down the hill to be open, staff must be present for insurance purposes and that they’re prioritising them for venues they are reopening.
Vol u nt e er group Castlemilk Community
HOUGHTON
Football is trying to support grassroots football in an area that has spawned stars such as Ray Houghton.
Harkins said: “For years Barlia has been on the decline, as has grassroots football in general.
“Barlia has been beset with staffing issues, poor marketing and vandalism.
“Our group has worked tirelessly with local teams, youth groups, schools and housing associations to keep Barlia alive and kicking.
“Our clubs continue to love Barlia. Local people enjoy gathering to cheer on whatever local team is playing on any given day.
“But we were made aware of facilities not reopening and saw Barlia on the fateful list. Where is the council’s so- called concern for communityempowerment?
“Glasgow is a host for Euro 2020. There will be glamour games played two miles away from our locked pitch. Is this what we want as the event’s legacy?”