East Kilbride Community Trust (EKCT) has netted a funding boost of nearly £75,000 for energy efficient improvements to its base in East Kilbride.
The £74,600 funding from SP Energy Networks’ Transmission Net Zero Fund, will be used to install solar panels at its K-Park Training Academy and is estimated to result in an annual saving of £6,000.
This will be re-invested back into the community of East Kilbride through its services offered to vulnerable communities.
A recent partnership between EKCT and the newly-formed East Kilbride Integration Network has also resulted in the creation of a new refugee football initiative, ensuring new residents of East Kilbride have access to safe and inclusive sporting facilities.
East Kilbride’s K-Park Training Academy, which has become a hub within the community, is owned and maintained by EKCT and is home to a number of local sporting teams, including East Kilbride Football Club’s U12s Girls team.
To celebrate the funding, EKCT played host to professional footballer, Lee Gibson – goalkeeper for Scottish Women’s Premier League club Glasgow City and the Scotland Women’s national team.
Having grown up in the area, Lee began her professional career in East Kilbride and returned to her roots to attend a training session with the U12s team at K-Park. During her visit, Lee talked with the young players, inspiring them with her journey from East Kilbride to Scotland’s national team.
Commenting on her visit, Lee said: “It was amazing to have the opportunity to come down to K-Park Training Academy and meet the U12’s girls team. It’s incredible to see young athletes not only passionate about football, but also take an interest in sustainability and the action we all need to take to protect their futures.
“It’s obvious that the installation of solar panels, made possible by the Net Zero Fund, is a huge milestone for the Trust and will help them continue to nurture and support East Kilbride’s future football talent.”
While at the training ground, Lee was also able to learn more from the EKCT team about the importance of the facility from its regular users, as well as the positive impact the energy efficient renovations are set to have.
Speaking on the impact of the funding, Scot Dow, site manager for EKCT, said: “We are incredibly grateful to SP Energy Networks and its Net Zero Fund for their generous support. This funding will not only allow us to install solar panels at our facility and make significant reductions to our carbon footprint, we’ll also be able to involve our young players in conversations around climate change and take them on the journey with us.
“The annual savings generated from making these upgrades will make a huge difference. By investing now, we’re able to futureproof the training grounds and continue to open up access to sporting opportunities for generations to come.”
Lynda Ward, SP Energy Networks Transformation Director, added: “Visiting the training grounds at K-Park and meeting some of the budding sporting talent that make use of the facilities has been inspiring. It really brings home the importance of supporting the next generation in conversations about net zero as ultimately, they are the ones who will benefit from the changes we are making today.
“Spaces like this are at the heart of communities within the areas we operate in, so it’s crucial that they are supported in making their sustainability plans a reality.”
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