Talented Kilmarnock footballers get funding from transport firm

May 29 2009 by Ian Russell, Kilmarnock Standard

TALENTED local footballers will benefit from a funding boost from transport company FirstGroup.

Ben Edwards, 13, Robbie Devine, 15, and Ross Dunlop, 16, from Kilmarnock, along with Scott Gillies, 42, from Irvine and Barry Jackson, 27, from Kilwinning are members of the West of Scotland Football Club for the Physically Disabled.

Now the club, the only Scottish team of its kind, has been awarded £2000 by First’s charities and sponsorship committee.

It’s a big lift for the club, a registered charity, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Developing fitness, co-ordination and social skills through football is the club’s aim and it also works to provide opportunities for physically disabled footballers to take part in competitions with other teams from across the UK.

Members’ ages range from 11 to 43, and the players come from all over the west of Scotland with Ayrshire well represented.

First’s funding will be used to buy new training kits and cover costs associated with the club’s competition entries this year and next. With tournaments taking place in England, travel and accommodation costs are usually fairly steep.

Said club chairman Andrew Dunlop: “This money will make a terrific difference to the club and we are grateful to First.

“The club is a really important part of all our lives – not only does it offer these players the chance to take part in competitive football, which is not something they will often have the chance to do, but it also provides a vital social network where they can make friends and meet others facing the same challenges as themselves.

“There is an incredible amount of talent in the team and it’s just fantastic that we can showcase that in these competitions thanks to First’s generosity.

“The money will help sustain the club’s future and will ensure our players get the chance to take part in the type of sports activities that many others take for granted.”

Said First’s Ronnie Park: “The club does a terrific job, providing its players with quality training, competitive football and social events and it’s very easy to see the fun and enjoyment that they get out of this.

“The commitment of everyone involved in the club – the players, the committee, the coaches, the families and friends – has to be applauded and I hope their example shines out to other young people with disabilities and shows them just what can be achieved.

“It would be great to see more clubs like this across the country.”

For more information on West of Scotland Football Club for the Physically Disabled, visit www.westofscotlandfcpd.com.