The UK Government has invested £200,000 in resurfacing the 3G pitch at Netherdale in Galashiels as part of a drive to level up access to physical activity across the UK.
The investment comes as the UK & Ireland have expressed an interest in hosting the UEFA European Championships in 2028.
The funding granted is part of a £230 million package to tackle health inequalities and increase the uptake of sport.
The money, supported by funding from Scottish Borders Council and the Hayward Trust, will ensure that the pitch can be used for community purposes. This includes boys and girls football, as well as walking football for the over 60s and para football.
Scottish Borders Council will invest £198,000, with the Hayward Trust inputting £100,000.
Netherdale is also the home of Gala Fairydean Rovers who play in the Lowland League and use the pitch for matches and training.
It is 1 of 18 projects across Scotland that will receive funding from the UK Government. The project in Galashiels is receiving the most money in Scotland from the UK Government during this round of funding.
The Scottish Football Association is delivering the programme on behalf of the UK Government in Scotland. Scottish Borders Council previously applied for the scheme via the SFA.
John Lamont MP said:
“It is so important to invest in grassroots facilities and I am absolutely delighted to see the UK Government investing directly in resurfacing the pitch at Netherdale.
“Gala Fairydean and the facilities at Netherdale are real assets for the community. This refurbishment will make sure it can deliver for boys and girls playing sport for years to come.
“This is part of a huge investment from the UK Government, around a quarter of a billion pounds, to help improve access to sports facilities and put an end to health inequalities.
“It is great to see the UK Government and Scottish Borders Council working well together once again to deliver for local residents.”
Cllr Euan Jardine, representative of Galashiels & District added:
“Netherdale is well known as the home of sport within Galashiels and sits beside Heriot-Watt University and Borders College.
“So it is great to see the UK Government investing directly in Galashiels and helping to level up the country. This investment comes on top of the £1.3m from the UK’s Community Renewal Fund announced last year.
“Sporting icons such as John Collins, Gregor Townsend and Chris Patterson learned their trade on the grounds of Netherdale. This investment will ensure that we can provide opportunities for others to follow in their footsteps whilst also increasing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of outdoor sporting activity.”
Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive of Scottish Football Association added:
“Our goal in Scotland is to harness the power of football, with the positive physical and mental wellbeing benefits that football offers being perfect examples of this.
“This funding will open opportunities for increased participation across many different demographics, including boys and girls football and para-football disciplines, some of which will be in areas that currently suffer from severe deprivation.”
