Hundreds of young footballers at Strathaven Dynamo AFC are benefiting from three new sets of seven-a-side goals, funded by a community grant linked to a nearby wind farm. The £8,685 award from renewable energy developer OnPath Energy, which operates the Kype Muir Wind Farm south of Strathaven, enabled the club to replace worn-out equipment at its W3ST Facility.
Safety Upgrade for Young Players
The previous goals had been in use for eight years and showed significant wear and tear, raising health and safety concerns for players, coaches, and volunteers. The new goals will serve over 450 club members, along with local schools and community organisations that use the facility.
Founded in 1968, Strathaven Dynamo AFC now runs 16 teams for players aged five to 18, including a growing girls' section with more than 60 players. The club relies on 65 volunteers and collaborates with local schools through the Active Schools programme.
Community Gratitude
Frank McGraw of Strathaven Dynamo AFC expressed gratitude: “We are incredibly grateful to OnPath Energy and the Kype Muir Community Fund for their support. The old goals had served the club well but were becoming increasingly worn and posed safety concerns. The new goals will make a huge difference for our players and wider community. Hundreds of young people use our facilities, and having safe, modern equipment is vital to help us continue providing opportunities for them to stay active, build confidence, and enjoy being part of a team. As a community club run largely by volunteers, support like this has a lasting impact.”
OnPath Energy's Commitment
OnPath Energy, a leading UK renewable energy developer, awards community funds to build long-term value for local people. Last year alone, the company granted over £1.2 million to more than 100 community groups and environmental projects across the UK.
Aileen McCreadie, partnerships and community manager at OnPath Energy, said: “We believe in creating long-term value for the communities in which we operate. Strathaven Dynamo AFC plays an important role in bringing young people together from across many surrounding areas. There are strong physical, social, and personal development benefits to having a football club for young people. It keeps them active, builds confidence and resilience, creates friendships and belonging, and teaches life skills that carry into education, work, and adulthood. Hopefully, the new goals will give the youngsters renewed energy to hone their skills, and who knows, maybe the club will produce the next Scott McTominay or John McGinn.”
Middle Muir Wind Farm Fund
OnPath Energy’s Middle Muir Wind Farm Community Fund generates over £255,000 per year for local voluntary organisations, community groups, and environmental projects within a 10km radius of the site. The fund is administered by the Kype Muir Community Panel.
Margot Mcdonald, Vice Chair of the panel, said: “Strathaven and Glassford’s representatives on the Kype Muir Community Fund are delighted to receive applications from all sections of our community. The fund has provided considerable support to local groups and events to date. The Strathaven Dynamos are a prime example of how we can help our young people reap benefits in terms of health, skills, teamwork, and friendship. Our volunteers and young people across the community deserve the support provided by this Fund, and I’d encourage others to consider applying.”
Local communities can check eligibility for funding by visiting www.onpathenergy.com/middle-muir.
