Lochend Football Academy recently completed a project to install a brand new 3G playing surface at their training facility within Lochend Park in Edinburgh. The new surface which was formally opened on the 28th of June represents the culmination of many months of hard work and fundraising by the Academy and it’s volunteers, with the project securing significant investment from the Scottish Football Partnership Trust and Viridor Credits.
David Pollacchi, volunteer and Trustee at the Academy led proceedings at the opening event and said, “at the heart of a wonderful community lies a gem of a football academy. I am joined today by fellow committee members Jamie Mason our Club Secretary, Club Chairman Ian Fergus, and Facilities Manager Jimmy Urquhart. Both Jimmy and Ian have a wealth of football coaching experience and have developed children from the ages of 4-5 all the way through to 1st team levels at professional clubs. It is down to these guys that Lochend has thrived over the years and has continued to be a conveyor belt for talent. The club and kids owe a massive thanks to them as come hail, rain or shine they are here delivering sessions and developing children both from a footballing perspective and with key life-skills. We are also delighted to be joined by some former Lochend players including Emma Watson (Rangers), Josh Beveridge (Hibernian), Adam Khan (Hibernian), Millar Ritchie (Falkirk), Owen Hayward (Hibernian), Bayley Klimionek (St Johnstone), Kintai Kwok (Hibernian). It really is fantastic that they have taken time out from their busy schedules to support todays official opening of the new pitch and it’s great to see them progressing so well at their clubs. ”
“When we started to accelerate our efforts to replace the pitch about 14 months ago, we did not realise how much people were willing to help and support us. We now have a first class playing surface in place to support a community of high deprivation for at least the next 10 years. The last 14 months have been absolutely transformational for both the Academy and the community.”
“In terms of thanks, to get us off the ground I would like to thank Graham Croucher and the team at Edinburgh council for their advice, guidance, and support throughout the process. Their wise words and experience were invaluable.”
“Jen Malone and Karen McConnell from the Scottish FA have been pivotal in helping us achieve our Quality mark status. We are extremely grateful for all the insightful counsel throughout and the continued engagement and support that both have provided the Academy – it is really great to be working with such collaborative partners.”
“Phyllis Stephen, Editor of the Edinburgh Reporter was fundamental in providing us with initial media presence and giving us a voice that allowed us to succeed and we are so appreciative of this.”
“We also thank Elaine McCafferty from One City Trust who believed in our vision and was one of the first funders to back the project. We are extremely thankful for all the contributions and help from her and the team.”
“Huge thanks also go to our major funders Viridor Credits and the Scottish Football Partnership Trust for their significant backing. We are delighted to have COO Stuart McCaffrey and Chairman James Clydesdale here today to celebrate with us – Thank you!”
“To our community partners:
- Huge thanks to Tristan and the team at The Ripple Project who have helped support our girls football programme and helped get the message out there across the community to get more kids involved with the academy.
- Barbara at The Social Bite for all her help with our football for the homeless initiatives.
- Dr Susan Brown from Napier University for her advice, ideas, counsel, and support with coaches.
- Luke, Jamie, David, Euan, Greta and all the team at Sportex for delivering a first-class pitch surface to budget and ahead of time. The whole team at Sportex have been a pleasure to deal with throughout.
- Scott and all the team at Macron our kit supplier who have helped us throughout and continue to do so.”
“With this help we have been able to do more and more but at a much faster pace. For example, we now have a dedicated Girls Academy in place running on a Wednesday and Saturday and we are proud that Emma Watson is our Girls Academy Ambassador. We also have recreational groups in place for all kids who want to enjoy the beautiful game. We are also delighted to be working with our local schools to increase participation rates and to continue supporting their physical and mental wellbeing with initiatives for both children and adults.”
“Massive thanks to all the parents, players and coaches both past and present for all your fundraising, donations and for keeping energy levels and belief in us high throughout. As a collective team we can look with immense pride on having delivered such a fantastic project which now lays the foundations for driving more amazing community initiatives.”
