Mid Annandale AFC, who are based at the New King Edward Park 3G facility, have been diligently applying for funding grants to help boost their grounds by adding a 100 seat covered grandstand and top rate toilet block.
MIDS secretary George Trudt said: “The project has been on our minds since we had the £400,000 3G facility installed just over four years ago by the council.
“Following feedback from our footballers, parents of our younger teams and supporters attending to watch football, we started putting together a plan to improve the facilities to enhance the enjoyment of all those that attend.
“In the last six months, on behalf of the club, I have been completing funding applications to bring our dream to fruition.”
The project comes with a £72,000 price tag and so far Mr Trudt has been awarded £25,000 from the Holywood Trust, £5000 from the Scottish Football Partnership and £30,000 from Ewe Hill Windfarm – leaving the project £12,000 shy of its target.
The club are now on the look out for any helpful tip offs or knowledge of funding pots they can dip into to help cover the cost of the scheme.
Mr Trudt said: “We are now only £12,000 short of our budgeted target and the search is on to procure that balance to let us commence the works.
“We are working closely with Dumfries and Galloway Council to finalise the tendering process and are hopeful of starting the works early in the summer, aiming to complete the project for the start of the new football season.”
He added: “The facility will also cater fully for those with accessibility needs and we expect to enhance the enjoyment of all those that attend our footballing sessions and matches by providing toilets, shelter and seating.
“Our matches are frequently attended by 100 or more spectators and some of out football tournaments and cup finals have similar, if not twice as many numbers in attendance.
“Improved facilities will be an asset to the community and will no doubt increase the numbers participating in football and those attending as spectators.”
*Can you help the club secure an extra £12,000? If you know of any funding streams or can be of any assistance, contact Mr Trudt on [email protected].
