Cash from crooks to help youngsters
13 Feb 2009 04:09 PM
More than 11,000 young people throughout Scotland are to benefit from improved sports facilities, including new 3G synthetic pitches, as part of the latest element of the Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities scheme.
The first 19 projects, part of the sports facilities strand of the scheme will also include a new sports pavilion, changing facilities, floodlights and drainage systems.
They are to receive a share of over 1.3 million pounds. Almost 700,000 pounds, the remaining funding from this part of the CashBack scheme, will be allocated later.
Speaking ahead of visiting Broxburn United, one of the recipients of funding, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:
"This Friday 13th is not unlucky for some. Nineteen projects from Dumfries to the Western Isles will benefit from CashBack funding.
"Proceeds of crime money will be ploughed back into our communities to provide better football facilities for many youngsters. This funding will help improve public sports facilities across Scotland, further boosting Scottish sport and helping to build better, healthier communities.
"The current wintry weather we are experiencing shows the importance of having access to synthetic pitches making it possible for them to play football even when the big clubs are snowed off.
"The vast majority of our young people are a credit to their communities. But we want to do more to prevent young people getting into trouble in the first place. We are determined to show them that there is much more to life than getting into trouble and getting out of their heads on drink or drugs.
"Already through the many varied strands of our CashBack for Communities scheme we are giving thousands of our young people the opportunity to reach their potential and have real hope for their future."
Scottish FA Chief Executive Gordon Smith said:
"Today's announcement is about more than creating some new football facilities across Scotland, it is about giving more opportunities to our young people.
"Investing in top class facilities will encourage more young people to play football and to lead healthier, more active lives. This is something that, in the long term, our whole country will benefit from.
"Football is at the heart of so many of our communities. The grants that have been made today will give the clubs and associations the chance to thrive in the years to come. The fact that the money has been seized from the very criminals who have blighted our communities makes the announcement all the sweeter."
Sports Minister Shona Robison said:
"The Cashback sports facilities fund is a great boost to Scottish sport and will build on the significant investment the Scottish Government already makes in this area.
"Cashback continues to offer our young people opportunities to get involved in physical activity and to make a meaningful contribution towards building better, healthier communities."
West Lothian Council Leader Peter Johnston said:
"I am delighted that two very worthy sports projects in West Lothian will benefit from the Cashback for Communities scheme.
"The new synthetic pitches for both Broxburn United and Murieston United will ensure our young people have more opportunities to keep active and healthy through sport."
Alan Cunningham, secretary for Broxburn United Sports Club, said:
"All Broxburn United's committee and members are absolutely delighted with this superb award from the Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities Scheme.
"This funding will be used to provide a 3G synthetic pitch at our Albyn Park community club base, which will benefit all 600 club members, local schools and the local community.
"It is part of an overall plan to deliver greatly improved facilities for the club, and we have already received funding from both West Lothian Council and Sportscotland towards achieving our goal."
The main aim of the £2 million CashBack for Communities funding for sports facilities is to provide sports facilities in or around deprived communities with an emphasis on young people.
All non-professional football clubs were advised of the funding available by the various national football associations - Scottish FA, SJFA, SWFA, SAFA and SYFA. While football will be the main beneficiary it is anticipated that other pitch sports will also gain from this investment.
The Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities scheme is funded from the proceeds of crime. The ill-gotten gains of serious organised criminals are taken from them and reinvested in our communities to make a real difference to the lives of young people throughout Scotland.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has previously announced millions of pounds funding to support football, rugby and basketball activities for youngsters in every part of the country as well as support for youth projects and arts and culture projects. With more initiatives to come, the various strands of the scheme are already giving our young people the opportunity to realise their potential and be all they can be.
Related Information
http://www.cashbackscotland.com/