FREE PLAY FRIDAY: BROXBURN UNITED

Broxburn United Sports Club was formed in 2008 as a charitable organisation and their aim was to bring together the local communities of Broxburn, Uphall and the surrounding areas. In 2010 the club opened the doors of their new facility to the community.

Broxburn United Sports Club aims to provide sporting, educational and social opportunities within their community to change lives for the better.

Several years ago, there was a lot of anti-social behaviour in the area outside of school hours, particularly on Friday afternoons and during school holidays. Rather than lock up their facility, Broxburn United opened their gates and invited local kids and youths to come play for free.  The young people are welcomed through the front door at Albyn Park and allowed to play with their friends on the main pitch on Friday afternoons after the local school’s finish.

Now, over 10 years later, there are regularly 100-150 kids attending every Friday afternoon during the school term – giving them a safe place to be active, hang out with friends and make new ones.

Not only does this build connections and friendships between the young people, but it has also developed a very positive relationships with the club, staff, and volunteers.  Many of the young people attending Free Play Friday have gone on to volunteer with the club, building life skills and coaching qualifications.