Breadalbane Football Club welcomed Alyth on Saturday to mark the opening of their new pitch redevelopment and changing facilities. These improvements were funded by a £66,000 grant from Sportscotland under the CashBack for Communities scheme which sees the proceeds from crime redistributed and put to better use. The much needed increase in changing capacity and creation of a brand new 7-a-side pitch was required for the club’s flourishing youth section Breadalbane/Strathtay Youth FC which now has seven boys and girls teams playing across various age groups.
The day itself was the culmination of the tremendous hard work by the various volunteers, ground-staff, contractors, coaches and committees. With the sun shining, a great turn out of both young and old enjoyed a car boot sale, bouncy inflatables, face-painting, tombola, raffle and a mountain of home baking all of which helped raise £1,283 which will go towards re-surfacing the car park.
On a stunning new playing surface and in new strips donated by overseas local, Kevin Ross of Adidas USA, the team showed a spirited fightback from two nil down against first division rivals Alyth to end the match 2-2. This ensured they remained unbeaten in the league as well gaining the approval of a packed crowd including former players Alec Dewar, Danny Rioch, Ian Mathews, Billy Mackie, who had all helped out with the opening ceremonies.
The importance of the role that a strong community sports club has to play in a rural town like Aberfeldy cannot be underestimated and the day itself was so well supported that plans are already being made to make it a regular annual event. A vote of thanks must go to sportscotland and all the volunteers who made the day possible.