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Work to
create the first 'third generation' (3G) synthetic pitch
in the Borders in Galashiels officially got underway
yesterday.
The 14 week construction programme will see the first
full size 3G pitch and smaller synthetic training pitch
be erected at the Fairydean ground in the town.
The facility is a culmination of the ‘Netherdale - the
Next Generation’ (NTNG) which was set up in January 2010
to investigate ways of fundraising to create the
much-needed facility for the Borders.
Capital funding of £500,000 towards the project was
approved by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) in June which
followed the announcement from the Scottish Government
in March that the project was to receive £350,000 from
the CashBack for Communities Programme through
sportscotland. The Hayward Trust also announced their
contribution of £100,000 over five years in August last
year.
SBC’s Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Community
Learning, Councillor Graham Garvie said: “I am
absolutely delighted to see work get underway on this
much-needed facility for the Borders.
“It will
be a fantastic facility for the development of rugby,
football and other sports both recreationally and
competitively and I am sure everyone who has worked so
hard to get to this point is very pleased to finally see
work get underway.”
The 3G pitch provides and ideal all-weather surface for
both football and rugby. The main pitch will meet the
highest football and rugby standards, being both FIFA
2-star rated and IRB-22 compliant. The underlying
shockpad will ensure that the pitch meets stringent
rugby head–fall height conditions, without compromising
football requirements.
Demand to use the facility is high with local clubs as
well as the adjacent Borders College, already signed up
to use the facility
Leader of SBC, Councillor David Parker added: “The need
for a 3G facility was recognised by sportscotland and
the SFA as being of strategic importance to the game. We
were delighted to allocate the funding towards this
extremely worthwhile project.”
Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill MSP was
in attendance yesterday representing the Scottish
Government's Cashback for Communities scheme. He
explained: "The 3G pitch being built in Galashiels is a
fantastic example of the benefits our CashBack programme
is bringing to communities in the Borders and elsewhere
in Scotland. This state-of-the-art facility will allow
local rugby and football players to train in all
weathers and hopefully help unearth some future sporting
stars.
"Since Cashback was launched in 2007, more than
£41million has been seized from crooks and ploughed into
projects like this and other activities that broaden the
horizons of our youngsters and set them on a positive
path in life.
"Earlier this year, we announced that £5million of money
confiscated under proceeds of crime legislation was to
be ploughed into sport facilities projects such as this
one, helping local clubs to nurture sporting talent, and
leaving a lasting impression on communities for
generations to come."
Gala Fairydean chairman Jos Ritchie explained: “This is
a great day - not only for Gala Fairydean, but also for
all the original partners within NTNG. I would like to
thank both SBC and the SFA for their commitment and
support towards this fantastic project”
Speaking on behalf of the partnership, local businessman
Mike Gray said: “NTNG is delighted that the work is now
underway and we just cant wait to see the pitch take
shape. As well as SBC, SFA and Cashback for Communities
through sportscotland, I would also like to thank the
Hayward Trust for their generous contribution.”
Regional Manager from the SFA (South East) David
Drummond said: “This project is leading the way
nationally and the passion and enthusiasm to bring this
facility to Galashiels has been fantastic. We now hope
that similar partnerships of good practice will be
established across the Borders following a positive
outcome from this project.”
Upon completion, the facility will be managed by Border
Sport and Leisure Trust (BSLT) who currently already
manage SBC’s sports facilities. David Ferguson Vice
Chair of BSLT Board added: "The TriFitness gym at
Netherdale is a great example of the quality of facility
that can be achieved by partners working together. That
came from a partnership between Heriot-Watt University,
Borders College and BSLT and this new 3G facility has
come from a host of football and rugby clubs working
together in Galashiels.
"The Trust applauds their effort and commitment and is
delighted to support it by managing the facility. This
kind of partnership approach is the way ahead for sport
and leisure facilities in the Borders."
The NTNG is made up of football clubs in the town, the
Scottish FA South East Region, local rugby clubs, the
Scottish Rugby Union (SRU), Borders College and SBC.
SRU Regional Development Manager, Brian Renwick added:
“Having such a high standard of surface in the Borders
is going have huge benefits of the development of rugby
of all levels in the Borders and I am delighted to see
work get underway.
“Reaching this stage is a great testament to all the
partners and members of the community who have shown
commitment and determination to make this vision a
reality. Working in partnership can never be
underestimated when looking at the future of sport in
the region. Through working together closely and
bringing rugby and football together, we have secured
what will be a facility that will benefit the wider
community for many years to come.”
Contractors for the works is Greenfields Allsports UK
Ltd. The pitch is due for completion by late
October/early November 2011.
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