The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
United’s reputation as community club enhanced by DUCT
Dundee United’s proud reputation as a community club has been further enhanced by the formation of the Dundee United Community Trust (DUCT).
The charity, which is an enhanced and expanded version of the successful United for All, was launched at a gala event at Tannadice.
DUCT, chaired by United associate director David Dorward, will work in partnership with the club.
Mr Dorward said: “This is an exciting partnership which strengthens the link between DUCT and Dundee United but also gives fresh impetus and greater access to the reach into the community.
“DUCT has fabulous staff in Jamie Kirk (head of operations) and Gordon Grady (community manager) and their team of casual staff and volunteers will continue to deliver exciting, valuable projects that will impact on the life of the local community beyond the successful programmes already active.
“The launch of DUCT and today’s agreement is a significant step for the charity. DUCT has come a long way since 2007 and this will allow DUCT greater access to external resources to improve both the charity and the club’s reach within the local community.”
Welcoming the move, United chairman Stephen Thompson said: “This partnership allows DUCT to concentrate on growing and improving the club’s reach within the local community.
“The charity has far greater access to funding and the opportunity to expand into areas we previously could not reach.
“This club, as Dundee Hibernian, was formed to promote inclusion for the local immigrant community and being a big part of the local community remains an important goal.
“It is my belief that today’s announcement strengthens that aim.”
DUCT, which has TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, political journalist Brian Taylor and singer Ricky Ross as honorary patrons, will focus on four pillars of activity: sport, health, education and inclusion.
Current activities covered include: J League, United in Schools, CLD United, Still Game, Football Memories, KIKO United, Music Box Cares, Football Fans in Training, Holiday Camps, Walking Football and Homework Club.