A COMMUNITY sports centre currently under construction in Gretna has been given a fresh cash boost — allowing enough funds for a brand new 3G football pitch.
Last summer work began on Raydale Community Sports Hub, set to include a gym, multipurpose fitness room and changing facilities.
Now, thanks to a £100,000 grant from Sportscotland and the National Lottery, a synthetic 11-a-side football pitch will be added to the list of the hub’s amenities.
Led by a community partnership between Gretna FC 2008 and Cunninghame Housing Association, the project aims to provide more opportunities for the community to get involved in football, and other sports, at every level.
The grounds will be suitable for disability and walking football, while the club is also keen to develop their women and girls’ teams.
Craig Peacock, chair of Raydale Community Sports Hub, said: “This award will have a huge impact within the local community. We have been working on this project for many years and this support justifies the need for this type of facility in Gretna.
“It will allow participation in sport and wellbeing activities to continue throughout the year and bring opportunities to people with disabilities that did not exist with the current facility.”
Minister for Public Health and Sport, Mairi Gougeon said: “I welcome this latest investment from sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund which will make a real difference to people across Scotland.
“We know that being active brings about positive changes beyond participation and can impact positively on people in communities in creating new relationships and being better connected.”
