News
26 March 2014
GREEN LIGHT FOR COMMUNITY 3G PITCH
The following is a copy of the press release confirming the construction of the 3G football pitch. Work is due to commence on 22 April and be ready in time for the start of the season 2014/15. "A community sports club in Perth has been given a boost after securing the funding to build a new synthetic pitch. Letham Community Sports Club, which runs 22 football teams and has almost 500 members, is now pushing on with its plans to replace one of its existing grass pitches with a full-size 3G surface with floodlighting. The funding – which is part of a £728,000 project – has been provided by sportscotland (£158,000), CashBack for Communities (£180,000), The Gannochy Trust (£200,000), Perth and Kinross Council (£85,000), Scottish Football Partnership (£40,000), Robertson Trust (£40,000), and the Garfield Weston Foundation (£25,000). 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. Commenting on the investment, Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Letham Community Sports Club with its plans to develop a new 3G pitch, which will undoubtedly become a real asset to the whole community. “The investment from the sportscotland Sport Facilities Fund, along with the complementary funds from the Scottish Government’s CashBack scheme, and the contribution of all other partners will help create a first-class facility. “sportscotland is committed to maximising the opportunities for children and young people to be involved in sport and this investment shows our commitment to help develop and support a world-class sporting system at all levels, which will inspire future generations to be the best they can be.†Ken Drummond, from Letham Community Sports Club, said: “Now that funding has been secured Letham Community Sports Club are delighted that their home ground at Seven Acres Park will soon have a state-of-the-art all weather facility complete with floodlights. “This will allow the club to further expand its activities which, in turn, will allow even more young people participate in sport. The facility is not only an asset for club use but in a wider scale will be a massive boost for use by the Letham community for many years to come. “We also wish to record our appreciation and thanks to the funders who have supported the project and, in particular, The Gannochy Trust 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.†Jerry Saunders, Head of Rugby at Perthshire RFC, said: “Operating the largest rugby community development programme in the country, and about to open a talented athlete initiative, we welcome the opportunity to have access to the new facility. As this will be the first all-weather surface in our area that is approved for rugby use it will be a real asset for developing players.†Dr James Kynaston, Chairman of the Gannochy Trust, said: “The Trust is delighted to provide financial support for such an 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, Chair of the Perth and Kinross Sport and Active Recreation Forum, said: “Once completed, the new pitch will be a great resource for the community and its surrounding sports clubs and groups. I am pleased that Perth & Kinross Council were able to contribute to the funding; 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.â€