A proposed state-of-the-art community football hub in North Lanarkshire has taken a step forward this week, as Airdrie’s Gartcairn Football Academy signed an official partnership with developers to deliver new facilities.
The move is part of Orchard Brae’s Europark development plans, with the link-up announced as Gartcairn Women FC were in action in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2.
They are just one of the teams playing out of the current Gartcairn set-up who will benefit from the partnership.
The plans will see Orchard Brae partner with Gartcairn Football Academy and stakeholders to facilitate a £2.5 million investment, creating a clubhouse, spacious changing rooms and two FIFA Pro quality pitches.
The hub would become the main base of the area’s Gartcairn Football Academy and is expected to welcome more than 700 young people per week, including a growing number of female players.
The Football Academy has seen continued support from Orchard Brae over the past three years, with the developer having already provided new facilities at the club’s current site within Airdrie Leisure Centre, including new changing rooms, public toilets and a kitchen area.
Robert McCallum, chairman of Gartcairn Football Academy, who has been instrumental in securing funding for the Community Sports Hub, based within the grounds of the proposed Europark development, said: “This is a proud moment for our football academy.
“This significant investment from Orchard Brae will help build on the excellent foundations we have already created within grassroots football, here in our community.
“Should the planning progress, the provision of state-of-the-art facilities for players of all ages, especially our growing women’s team and this partnership will ensure that our young athletes, both male and female, have the opportunity to develop their skills in a world-class environment.
“We are incredibly grateful for Orchard Brae’s commitment to supporting our club and the local community, and we look forward to a bright and healthy future for our players of all ages.”
Scott Gillespie, Orchard Brae director, added: “This proposed investment and new official partnership with Gartcairn Football Academy aligns perfectly with our vision for Europark – creating a vibrant and inclusive space for people of all ages to thrive.
“We are committed to supporting the growth of grassroots football, especially the women’s game, and believe that this partnership will not only do this, but also make a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the local community.
“This partnership with Gartcairn is just one example of how we’re investing in the future of our community, and we believe that Europark has the potential to bring investment, jobs and much-needed new homes, including affordable housing, to the area.”
On hand to help launch the new partnership, and see Gartcairn Women FC beat Ayr United Ladies 4-0 on the day, was Mary Galbraith, chair of the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
Mary said: “”The new community football hub in North Lanarkshire will be a huge boost for women’s football in Scotland.
“It will provide essential additional facilities, and support for young female players, inspiring future talent, while helping to create more opportunities for girls and women in sport.”
The proposed Europark development, along the M8 corridor, between Carnbroe, Calderbank and Chapelhall, have caused controversy since the project was first mooted, with campaigners who wanted the greenbelt site to be retained delivering a 3000-signature petition opposing the plans to the Scottish Parliament in 2018 and organisations like the Woodhall, Faskine and Palacecraig Conservation Group questioning its environmental credentials.
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.