Delight for football club as community asset transfer agreed

Monifieth Athletic Football Club has taken ownership of the football pavilion and pitches at Riverview Park.

A community asset transfer was agreed by councillors on Angus Council’s policy and resources committee in Forfar.

The club successfully applied for a 99-year lease at £1,000 per annum while offering the sum of £5,000 for the pavilion.

Monifieth Athletic said the community asset transfer would increase and improve existing sporting activities for young people. The pavilion will be redeveloped to create a community hub while an artificial surface would be put down to enable sports in all weathers and times.

It will also allow MAFC to deliver “midnight” football ensuring youngsters are directed towards sport and away from anti-social and criminal activities. Monifieth and Sidlaw SNP councillor Beth Whiteside said: “This is great news for Monifieth. I was happy to give my support to this great initiative and wish to offer my congratulations to everyone involved.”

The initiative will allow children and youths to use the sporting facilities, all year, day and night.

A spokesman for the club said: “It will allow MAFC to deliver ‘midnight football’ ensuring anti-social age groups are directed towards sport and away from anti-social and criminal behaviour.

“The additional use of the facility will also reduce the opportunities for anti-social behaviour in the car park, which is an area of concern currently.

“The remaining land will be utilised as football pitches and communal open space, with better provision and directions.”