South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) has launched its 'Nets for Goalposts' project, funded through the Scottish Government's Summer of Sport programme. The initiative aims to create opportunities for young people aged three to 26 to get active, stay active and enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity.
Project Begins in Clydesdale
The project began in Clydesdale, where the SLLC Active Schools team identified parks and pitches that would benefit from new football nets being installed on existing goalposts. Kirkfieldbank Park was the first location to benefit from the project in early May and hosted a multi-school football festival ahead of the summer holidays.
Other pitches at Thankerton Park, Vaccies and Kildare Park in Lanark, and Graham Road Park in Crossford, followed shortly afterwards. The work also included the repainting and reconditioning of goalposts, with support from South Lanarkshire Council's Grounds Services team in Lanark.
Positive Feedback from Community
Active Schools Co-ordinator Derek Howitt, who developed the project, said: 'We are delighted with how the project has gone so far. There has been lots of positive feedback from young people, families and residents across Clydesdale, who agree that the new nets and reconditioned goalposts have helped make their local parks and pitches look brighter and more welcoming.'
Expansion Across South Lanarkshire
The project has now expanded to other areas across South Lanarkshire with support from SLLC's Clubs and Communities team. Peter Brownlee Park and Halfway Park in Cambuslang, and grass pitches at Burnhill in Rutherglen and Chantinghall Road in Hamilton, have all benefited from the project.
SLLC Programme Development Officer (Community Sport Hubs) Gavin Maclure said: 'Partners and sports clubs have worked together to deliver activities in the heart of local communities and equipment grants have also been given to local groups to reduce barriers and create a true community feel. The expansion of this project has been in partnership with Circuit Youth Group and Halfway Hall in Cambuslang, Hillhouse Residents and Tenants Association in Hamilton, Springhall and Whitlawburn Youth Development Trust and several other local organisations and clubs.'
Summer of Sport Activities
To view the Summer of Sport timetable for free activities across South Lanarkshire, visit the SLLC Summer of Sport website. The programme aims to reduce barriers and create a true community feel through sport and physical activity.
