A local MSP welcomes £175,000 for football pitches in Dumbarton

The Dumbarton Artificial Football Stadium is one of 40 other grassroots sporting projects in Scotland, which have collectively received nearly £11.37 million in funding.

The West of Scotland MSP said: “This investment in grassroots football is great news for local people.

“Upgrading this artificial pitch will mean it is in first class condition for many years to come.

“Direct funding from the UK Government for vital community assets such as football pitches is very welcome.

“I believe this increase in funding for Dumbarton’s East End Park will help encourage more young people to take up sport.”

The announcement follows a £20 million investment in Clydebank from the UK Leveling Up Fund.

Through a £325 million UK Government programme, active since 2021, new facilities or improvements have been delivered to nearly 2,400 sites across the UK.

The aim is to attract an additional 120,000 people into activism and support grassroots clubs across the country, including clubs for women and girls.

Announcing the funding at Glasgow Girls and Women's Club, Malcolm Offord, Minister for Scotland, said: “It has been amazing to see the work done by the coaches, the SFA and the charity trustees at Glasgow Girls and Women's Club. We are very proud to support such facilities.”

“The achievements of the men's and women's football teams in Scotland are due in no small part to the dedication of those working at grassroots level.

“Providing high-quality facilities the length and breadth of Scotland that are accessible to everyone is vital.

“These 40 projects will nurture the talent of the future, encouraging everyone in the community to have fun, be active, and embrace all the benefits that physical and mental health bring.”

Stuart Andrew, UK Government Minister for Sport, said: Sport and physical activity are important for mental health and wellbeing.

He added: “We know that one of the key barriers to physical activity is access to high-quality sports facilities, which is why we are delivering 40 new projects in Scotland.

“The UK Government and Scottish Football Association have already delivered a further 40 projects supported by £4 million to give local communities the high-quality facilities they need.”