Goals boost for Strathaven Dynamo AFC thanks to grant from wind farm (original) (raw)

The purchase of the new goals at the club’s W3ST Facility has been possible thanks to a £8,685 grant from renewable energy developer OnPath Energy, developers of Kype Muir Wind Farm located to the south of Strathaven.

Hundreds of young players at Strathaven Dynamo AFC are enjoying the use of three new sets of seven-a-side football goals thanks to community funding linked to a neighbouring wind farm.

The purchase of the new goals at the club’s W3ST Facility has been possible thanks to a £8,685 grant from renewable energy developer OnPath Energy, developers of Kype Muir Wind Farm located to the south of Strathaven.

The goals replace equipment which had been in use for eight years and had begun to show significant signs of wear and tear, raising health and safety concerns for players, coaches and volunteers.

The investment will benefit more than 450 young members at the club, as well as local schools and community organisations which also make use of the facility.

Established in 1968, Strathaven Dynamo AFC now runs 16 teams for players aged from five to 18, including a growing girls’ section with more than 60 players. The club is supported by 65 volunteers and works closely with local schools through the Active Schools programme.

Frank McGraw, of Strathaven Dynamo AFC, said: “We are incredibly grateful to OnPath Energy and the Kype Muir Community Fund for their support. The old goals had served the club well over many years but were becoming increasingly worn and were beginning to pose safety concerns.

“The new goals will make a huge difference for our players and wider community. Hundreds of young people use our facilities and having safe, modern equipment in place is vital in helping us continue to provide opportunities for them to stay active, build confidence and enjoy being part of a team.

“As a community club run largely by volunteers, support like this has a lasting impact and helps ensure we can continue to create a positive environment for young people across Strathaven and the surrounding area.”

OnPath Energy is one of the UK’s leading renewable energy developers, its community funds are designed to build long-term community value for local people.

“Last year alone, more than £1.2 million in community funding was awarded by the company to over 100 community groups and environmental projects across the UK.

Aileen McCreadie, partnerships and community manager at OnPath Energy said: “We believe in creating long-term value for the communities in which we operate.

“Strathaven Dynamo AFC plays an important role in bringing young people together from across many surrounding areas. There are strong physical, social and personal development benefits to having a football club for young people.

“It keeps them active, builds confidence and resilience, creates friendships and belonging teaching life skills that carry into education, work and adulthood.

“Hopefully, the new goals will give the youngsters a renewed energy to hone their skills, and who knows, maybe the club will produce the next Scott McTominay or John McGinn, which would be a great result.”

OnPath Energy’s Middle Muir Wind Farm Community Fund generates over £255,000 per year for local voluntary organisations, community groups and environmental projects within a 10km radius of the site.

The fund is administered by the Kype Muir Community Panel and its Vice Chair, Margot Mcdonald, said: “Strathaven and Glassford’s representatives on the Kype Muir Community Fund are delighted to receive applications from all sections of our community. The fund has provided considerable support to local groups and events to date.

“The Strathaven Dynamos are a prime example of the way we can help our young people reap the benefit in terms of health, skills and teamwork and friendship.

“Our volunteers and young people across the community deserve the support provided by this Fund and I’d encourage others to consider applying to the fund.”

Local communities can find out if they may be eligible for funding by visiting www.onpathenergy.com/middle-muir

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