Cashback brings lasting legacy for Barrhead

10 Jul 2014 04:07 PM

New 3G pitch launched for local young people 

Generations of young people from Barrhead are set to benefit from a lasting legacy of the Commonwealth Games thanks to cash seized from Scotland’s criminals.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today officially opened the new 3G pitch at Cowan Park - home to East Renfrewshire’s Barrhead Youth FC. The playing area – which received £600,000 in funding from the Cashback for Football Facilities Fund and East Renfrewshire Council – is one of 37 new 3G pitches delivered throughout Scotland through the Cashback for Communities fund.

Since its launch in 2008, Cashback for Communities has re-invested £74 million from the proceeds of crime back into communities across the country, including more than £1.25 million for sporting, cultural and development activities for young people.

Mr MacAskill said:

“As Scotland gears up for one of the greatest sporting events it has ever seen, I am delighted the young people of Barrhead can compete on their own state-of-the-art pitch.

“This new 3G pitch will bring many benefits to both these youngsters and future generations, encouraging them to take part in healthy and enjoyable pursuits, and diverting a minority who may be at risk of becoming involved in crime and anti-social behaviour into more worthwhile activities.

“What is most satisfying for me is that this excellent pitch has been funded by cash seized from the very criminals who seek to bring misery to these young people and their communities.

“I hope both the pitch and the spirit of the Commonwealth Games will leave a lasting healthy legacy for Barrhead Youth FC and together with the other pitches launched under this scheme, will help contribute towards us building a more active nation.”

Community Services and Community Safety convener Councillor Mary Montague said:

“This project is an excellent example how the Cashback for Communities initiative can work for the benefit of all in a local community. The council’s contribution of £244,000 is money well spent and the members of Barrhead Youth FC deserve many congratulations for raising an incredible £40,000 from their fund raising activities.

“This facility is a shining example of the numerous projects East Renfrewshire Council has supported in recent years to offer the opportunity for our young sportspeople to develop shills in their chosen sport and to be able to access first-class sporting facilities.”

Notes To Editors

Background

The Cashback for Communities Programme is a unique Scottish initiative which uses money obtained through Proceeds of Crime legislation and invests it in community activities and facilities, mainly for young people at risk of turning to crime or anti-social behaviour.

The provision of 3G pitches is also part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to provide a last legacy from the Commonwealth Games and a healthier and more active nation.

In total 31 full size pitches, plus six smaller ones, are being supported through the scheme. The Scottish Government has also invested more than £100 million since 2007 to support the development of sports facilities across Scotland.