Links Park Community Trust intend to provide an extensive range of “Community Leagues” for children, young people and adults alike who are not currently engaged in a competitive football environment within an existing club structure.
Due to a lack of club capacity, or a perceived lack of ability (and confidence) within the individual themselves, there is an abundance of children, young people and adults alike that are not benefitting from the experience of playing within a football team in a competitive environment and LPCT wish to bridge the gap between their current inactivity level and that of an aspirational position of them becoming members of a team. Thus they plan on developing a series of “Community Leagues” for the following age groups;
Under 10’s, 12’s, 14’s, 16’s, 18’s, Adults (18-29’s), Adults (30-49’s) and Adults (50+)
These leagues, which will take place on the synthetic surface at Links Park Stadium in Montrose would last for approximately 24 weeks of the year, with players being allocated a place on a particular team for 6 weeks, with teams being randomly re-selected for the next 6 weeks thereafter.
Leagues will take place on convenient days and at appropriate times, based on community consultation and a survey of other local provision, for example, the U-10’s, 12’s and 14’s Leagues may occur during late afternoon slots (4-6pm) when both the expected participants and the facilities are available, whereas the various Adult provisions will take place during the evenings. There is also the possibility of weekend (Sunday) timetabling where appropriate.
Each “team” within the community league will participate in weekly fixtures under the direction of a paid, or where possible a Volunteer Coach, all of whom will be overseen by a Lead Coach from Links Park Community Trust.
Links Park Community Trust will actively seek to recruit Parent Volunteers to support the delivery of this initiative.
Prizes for participation will be awarded at the end of each 6 week block of fixtures before the next “season” commences.
Peter Davidson, Project Manager of Links Park Community Trust said “LPCT exists to provide benefit to the people of Montrose and the Mearns by developing and delivering innovative programmes across each of our three strands – sport, education and health. This initiative would support such aims by increasing the number of opportunities for children and adults alike to participate in competitive sporting opportunities, regardless of age or ability. This programme will further strengthen links between the senior cub (Montrose F.C.) and the community, whilst also fostering positive relationships between local partner organisations such as Montrose Youth FC amongst others. At LPCT we do not apply a set fee to any of our programmes, but instead we ask for a suggested donation on arrival, ensuring we remain affordable and accessible to all. Such donations (and subsequent Gift Aid) contribute towards the long-term sustainability of our programmes but we also receive support from local companies and organisations by way of corporate partnership (sponsorship).”
