The Scottish Football Partnership recently awarded modular changing rooms to Kilmarnock F.C. to assist the club with the provision of facilities for its various academy teams and the wider community user groups who take part in weekly activity at Rugby Park.
The club approached the Partnership in November of last year seeking assistance for additional changing facilities as it was clear that their current amenities were not sufficient to cope with the enhanced football activity which is taking place at the stadium following the installation of the 3G all-weather surface in the summer of 2014. The SFP were impressed with the Kilmarnock F.C’s commitment to increasing the stadium’s usage and providing a focal point for the club’s activities ranging from training sessions for their academy players from the under-9 age group through to the Under-17s – a total of 156 academy players training and playing at Rugby Park three times a week. The club also delivers a remarkable range of weekly community activities including their mini-kickers programme, weekly community teams, development academy, Saturday children’s club, school programmes, Kilmarnock Ladies as well as their Fit Fans in Training programme and walking football. All in all around 500 football participants are currently enjoying and engaging in activities at their local football club on a weekly basis.
The new changing rooms, which come equipped with toilet and showering facilities, were delivered to the stadium last month and they will further assist the club in maintaining the vibrant level of football activity currently being delivered at Rugby Park.
Kilmarnock F.C’s Community Engagement Manager, Paul Di Giacomo commented “ Having seen firsthand the Scottish Football Partnership’s modular changing room projects which have benefited so many community football clubs throughout Scotland I decided to get in touch with them to ascertain our suitability as an applicant for similar support. Following some discussions with SFP staff, where I outlined our need for additional changing provision, I was encouraged to submit a formal application for consideration at their next available funding meeting. The process was straightforward and we are absolutely delighted that we have been awarded the new changing facilities which will be of huge benefit to Kilmarnock Football Clubs Community/Youth departments as well as Kilmarnock Ladies”.