Spartans net £900k for new sport project

Published on Friday 28 August 2009 11:05

BASKETBALL and skateboarding facilities are set to be introduced at the new Spartans FC academy after a major cash injection.

The community facility has been granted 900,000 from the Scottish Government which will lead to the new facilities and more coaches being hired.

It is the latest in a series of major investments in the club's revamped Ainslie Park base, and it marks the completion of a project which was kicked off by Scottish football legend Gordon Strachan, who comes from the area.

Spartans chairman Craig Graham said: "The funding package secures our immediate financial position and allows us to implement our plans for growing the work we do in north Edinburgh.

"We have more than 1,500 people using the academy every week across a range of sporting and learning activities, and we are already delivering real benefits.

"This funding will help us to extend into new sports such as basketball and skateboarding, and extend our outreach community programme with the coaches working on site in youth clubs, community centres and schools."

Much hope has been placed in the Pilton Drive facility by local politicians and community leaders, both to improve the health of local people and get youngsters off the streets.

North Edinburgh is one of the poorest areas in the city and has a litany of social and health problems.

But that could change now with the provision of an all-weather pitch, grass pitch and five-a-side football facilities.

A physio base, eight changing rooms, an education room and a capacity of 3,000 has also boosted the area, as well as the amateur football club which has aspirations of joining the Scottish Football League.

Alistair Davis, a spokesman for Social Investment Scotland, which provided the grant, said: "We're delighted to announce this latest investment from the fund and, moreover, to be able to assist such an outstanding project which will deliver first-rate work in the community.

"Many young people face a range of challenges in contemporary society and projects such as the Spartans Academy can make a huge difference in terms of making sure young people are given the help and support required to realise their full potential."