Wick Academy FC, who play in the Highland League, are currently working through the necessary criteria required to make an application to the SFA for an Entry Level National Club Licence. Following an SFA Licensing audit it was concluded that we fell short on 3 key Licencing criteria:
- Stadium Certificate
- Floodlights
- Medical and First Aid facilities
Without the grant award from the SFP Wick Academy would have found it almost impossible to have been able to carry out the work. The club did not seem to meet the key selection criteria to be able to apply for grants from other funding sources, so without this SFP award the completion of the project would have been very difficult.
The upgrade that this grant has allowed us to carry out has many benefits: The supporters will benefit as the viewing standard which the new floodlights has introduced should enhance their viewing of floodlit games. The improvement of the floodlighting has also improved the safety of playing conditions for our players. The stands have also been past as structurally safe, and we now have a dedicated medical room which can be used for any first-aid requirements. The local community has benefited as it means that Wick Academy FC can continue to participate in the Scottish Highland Football League and the Scottish Cup. Sport is very important in a small rural community as it creates a leisure related pass-time which supporters and players can enjoy. It also brings valuable exposure to the town of Wick and county of Caithness, and a valuable income stream for local businesses from both home and away supporters who attend the games at Harmsworth Park.
The award will allow Wick to continue to participate at our highest possible level both at Scottish Highland Football League level and the Scottish Cup and other associated Cup competitions.
The reaction from everyone involved with the club has been very positive. The improvements have enhanced the fabric of the clubs infrastructure, and has given us a lot of pride in the facilities which we can now provide to all concerned, players and supporters alike.
Wick Academy spokesman John Briskham: “Wick Academy are very grateful to the SFP for the award of this grant. Wick Academy FC would like to thank both Jim Clydesdale and Paul Barnes of the SFP for the advice and assistance given in dealing with our application and the administration involved in dealing with the actual award payments and queries. They have been very helpful and professional through-out the entire process.”