Our 2022 Club Development initiative was launched earlier this year thanks once again to funding from our long-standing partner, The Kilpatrick Fraser Charitable Trust. The SFP Trust is committed to supporting and promoting inclusive football participation at grassroots level throughout Scotland and this initiative aims to invest in the development and growth of 60 Scottish FA Quality Mark Clubs, with a focus on increasing and enhancing participation opportunities for players and the continued development of volunteers.
Melrose F.C. from the Scottish FA South-East region were the latest club to benefit from funding. They recently expanded their offer of football from their youth and junior ranks to adult recreational football. The club already organise twice weekly training and matches for adult men in the area with around 50 players now participating and they have now adopted the same format of weekly training/matches for adult women in the local area.
They now have over 20 women signed up to ‘Melrose Ladies Football’, which the club refers to as their Melrose Veterans Family. Many of the women have never played football before but are looking to learn new skills and raise their fitness. This Club Development grant was used to support Melrose Ladies Football with kit and equipment that helps them feel part of the club. On receiving the award, Greg Simpson, Chair of Melrose F.C. said “Thanks so much for the Scottish Football Partnership Trust grant of £500 for Melrose Ladies Football. The Ladies are now playing each week and we have around 20 regulars. With the grant money they have bought footballs, a first aid kit, bibs and a Melrose training top. Thanks to the grant, the Ladies now feel like a proper team and have their own kit and equipment to use. It has really helped with identity and togetherness.”
