Published: Wednesday, 25th June, 2008 12:00
Largs being denied football facilities
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After four enjoyable but sometimes stressful years Largs Academicals Football Club have decided to call it a day at under 17 level.
This is no reflection on the boys but, basically, down to the fact that the next step is under 19 and between other commitments both for players and coaches the time to quit is right. At this time I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the last four years for their help. It was much appreciated.
To celebrate the end of an era a match was arranged between the lads and a team of ‘Sheiling Legends’ which the elder statesmen won 1-0. Even though we are a club who are registered grass pitch users we were refused the use of Bowen Craig by North Ayrshire Leisure for this match as the pitches were closed for the summer! Our next request for the astro turf pitch at Inverclyde was turned down as it was booked for hockey. Fair enough, no complaints.
I then asked about the availability of a grass pitch at Inverclyde and after consultation with the ground staff my request was granted. Whilst understanding Inverclyde’s pricing policy will probably not be decided at local level £90 for a pitch is extremely expensive. If we are going to continue to try to improve Scottish football at grass roots level then SportScotland needs to have a long hard look at itself regarding pricing, or North Ayrshire Leisure needs to fight our corner regarding facilities in Largs as we are way behind the rest of Ayrshire in this matter.
I am aware that a new pitch is being laid at Inverclyde for local use but still feel the town will be left short on decent pitches. You have only to go to Kilwinning and see the grant and lottery funded facilities for football there to appreciate this. For future teams in the town something has to be done. I won’t hold my breath.
Yours in Sport
Willie Menzies
Largs Academicals
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