In December, 2015 disaster struck East Craigie JFC when their clubhouse was severely damaged by flooding. The “shipbuilders”, one of Scotland’s oldest junior football clubs and the oldest club in Dundee, established in 1880, were left fearing for their future when their facility at Craigie Park was finally condemned by Dundee City Council. Fundraising efforts began almost immediately and in addition to support provided by The SFP, the club received invaluable support from Maryfield Community Regeneration Fund as well as from many local sponsors, tradespeople and local businesses. By March, 2017 it was decided to pursue a new build project rather than trying to revive the existing and now condemned clubhouse. After many months of hard work, we then fast forward to October when the club were able to host their first match with their brand new changing pavilion against Brechin Vics, which the home club won 6-1. Club spokesman, Andy Malone said “It seems to have been a very long journey, but without the support of The SFP and others we would have struggled to have kept the club going. We are delighted with what we have managed to achieve and will be forever indebted to numerous companies and individuals. The great news for the club is that we have been successful in our last grant application which will enable us to complete the second phase of the project to the same high standards we completed the changing rooms. This will allow us to open the premises to a wider audience and hopefully increase participation of the game at Craigie Park.”
