Developing Community Clubs Project: Bonnyrigg Rose

Bonnyrigg Rose recognise the duty of care that football clubs have within their local community – a responsibility that they believe transcends the boundaries of traditional football.

The Midlothian-based club have delivered a number of social initiatives for local residents, including a pioneering mental-health seminar designed to address what can still often be construed as a taboo subject.

Now, thanks to National Lottery players, the community-focused club intend to secure their future – and their ability to provide for the community – for years to come.

Bonnyrigg are one of three clubs selected to participate in the Developing Community Clubs pilot project, financed by an award from the Big Lottery Fund.

Their Goal

Their goal through the project entails the completion of a community asset transfer of facilities that they currently lease. Once transferred the club intend to develop the site to provide enhanced opportunities for the local community, including after school care, conference and meeting space and improved training facilities.

Their selection for the project has arrived at an opportune moment for the club, with the pitches that they aim to take ownership of requiring refurbishment.

The project has provided them with timely access to advice and mentorship that will enable them to access funding to carry out the necessary work to upgrade the pitches and secure the club’s future.

The redeveloped and enhanced facilities will enable the club to cope with the increased demand that is expected to arrive through a rapidly increasing population as a result of new homes for upwards of 2000 residents being built in the surrounding area in the next five years.

It will also help them continue to provide the plethora of social initiatives to which they have committed in recent years, such as fund raisers, breakfast clubs, employment and work experience opportunities and foodbank collections.

One such social initiative that touched the hearts of many was a mental health seminar facilitated by the club, for which they partnered with a number of local organisations such as the council, religious organisations, the police and the NHS.

Despite never having held such an event before, the club were of the opinion that it was a service they were obligated to provide.

What the club had to say

“Although we had no experience in putting on a seminar dealing with mental health, it is so prevalent in society these days that we felt strongly about doing something within the community to draw attention to it,” said Trisha Sime, Community Development  at Bonnyrigg Rose.

“The feedback was very positive – the club received a motion in parliament in recognition of having delivered the event – and for a small community like Bonnyrigg it was unique in what it delivered.

“Being able to provide for the community is at the heart of the club’s ethos, which is why this project is hugely important for the club. Without this project none of our plans would be possible.

“Our selection has proven that we are a healthy, well-run football club, but that we have potential to do more within the community. We are now working hard to fulfil this potential.”

“Bonnyrigg Rose are extremely important to the local community. They recognise that football is more than a game – they engage with the local community and use football to enhance people’s lives,” said Tony Begg, Club Development Manager at the Scottish FA’s South East Region.

“Their plans through the project will give the community a sense of ownership and offer increased participation, health and wellbeing benefits.

“The people there have put their heart and soul into growing the club and realising the benefits they can provide to help the local community.

“This club is about good people wanting to do more, and through this project they will be able to deliver that.”