The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Funds found for a field of dreams
THE FUTURE of football in Perth has been secured thanks to a six-figure grant.
Due to its popularity, Letham Community Sports Club has been forced to invest in a state of the-art all-weather pitch.
Funding worth £728,000 has been provided by sportscotland, Cashback for Communities, the Gannochy Trust, Perth and Kinross Council, Scottish Football Partnership, Robertson Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
Around 500 people use the facilities at Seven Acres Park on a regular basis but due to strict rules about playing on grass pitches, would-be members have had to be turned away.
The synthetic pitch will ensure several activities can take place each day, rather than being limited to just one.
The president of Letham Community Sports Club, Ken Drummond, told The Courier this was a “massive boost” for the area. He said: “It’s a big investment that’s being made and this is going to be there for a good few years.
“This project has been going on since 2009 and it basically came about because the club kept growing.
“We ran out of space and we had to turn kids away because there was no more room — that’s when the idea for an all-weather pitch came about.”
As part of the project, one of the existing grass pitches will be replaced with a full-size 3G surface with floodlighting.
Once completed, the facility will be open seven days a week and available for use by the Letham community, Active Schools and other sports clubs, including Perthshire Rugby Club.
Mr Drummond added: “We are delighted that these funders have supported us. “We wish to record our appreciation and thanks, particularly to the GannochyTrust, which first supported and encouraged our aspirations for Letham.
“Recognition is also due for the unstinting support from coaches, volunteers, sponsors, parents and children which has driven our ambition.”
The head of rugby at Perthshire Rugby Club, Jerry Saunders, welcomed the project and said it would be a “real asset” for developing players.
It operates the largest rugby community development programme in the country and will launch a talented athlete initiative.
Dr James Kynaston, chairman of the Gannochy Trust, praised the dedication of the Letham Community Sports Club.
He said: “The trust is delighted
“We ran out of space and we had to turn kids away because there was no more room ...”
to provide financial support important area of the city.
“The success of this project is due to the determination of the Letham volunteers who have made a huge contribution of their time and expertise to make the project happen.
“We would like to wish them every success with this ambitious project.”
Councillor Bob Ellis, chairman of the Perth and Kinross Sport and Active Recreation Forum, also welcomed the
for such an proposals, saying they would provide a “great resource” for the community.
“I am pleased that Perth and Kinross Council was able to contribute to the funding,” he continued.
“We consistently educate young people about the importance of leading a healthy and active life and by helping to provide facilities like this, I hope they are encouraged to go out and participate in some of the activities that will be available.”