SIX sports teams and groups from across Scotland have been selected to receive the first Youth Sports Sponsorship from the Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA).
The programme aims to support under-16s clubs with up to £1,000 awarded to each club which can be used towards new strips or training tops.
Selected for the first round of SPOA Youth Sports Sponsorship are:
- North Lanarkshire Chiefs Basketball Club U-12s
- Team Kay Curling
- Strathendrick Rugby U-16 girls team
- Falkirk Football Club 2015s team
- Hillwood Football Club 2014s team
- Auchterarder Community Football Club
“Congratulations to the clubs selected for the first ever SPOA Youth Sports Sponsorship programme,” said SPOA president David Jarvie. “Many of our members from across Scotland are involved in youth sports in their local communities, from coaching to providing transport to games or providing financial support. It is often a talking point when we get together along with the lack of support for grassroots sport for young people in Scotland, so we are delighted to now be able to help through the SPOA Youth Sports Sponsorship programme.”
The financial assistance provided through the sponsorship will be transformational for some teams. Steven McCooey, who nominated Strathendrick Rugby U-16 girls team, said, “The girls want to wear clothing that compliments their bodies and makes them feel confident. For years they have had to wear boys or unisex kit that doesn’t fit properly. For our girls to have sports clothing which compliments their bodies is unique and ground-breaking for rugby. It also gives them an unrivalled level of confidence to be proud of who they are. Obtaining jerseys that are women’s cut, allows the girls to be just that – strong, powerful, confident and proud young women.”
SPOA Youth Sports Sponsorship will also enable children who may otherwise face barriers to sport to be part of a team, grow their confidence, and develop their skills on the field and beyond.
Nicole Higgins, who nominated Hillwood FC 2015s team, added, “Hillwood FC operates in one of the most impoverished areas of Glasgow, and a lot of our kids look to football as a great way to get out of the house and play for a team. We strive to make football accessible to all kids regardless of their circumstances, whether it be family or financial. This funding will essentially help 20 plus children have a better experience within all aspects of the team’s training and games. We are hoping to expand our numbers in the near future and the funding will go a long way to helping with this goal.”
David Jarvie continued, “I hope the clubs selected go from strength-to-strength, and we look forward to following their journey. Best of luck to you all!”
