East Dunbartonshire Football Development held its first Football Forum for 2014 on Monday 19th May at Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre. Local clubs represented included; West Park Utd, Baljaffray Boys Club, Lenzie Youth FC, East Dunbartonshire Football Club, Westerton Utd, St Joseph’s Primary, Campsie Boys Club and Rosebank Utd.
The evening mainly evolved around the common issue of facilities; both at a local and National level. Carol Johnstone, Team Leader for Business Support for East Dunbartonshire opened the evening by giving an update and review on existing and new policies surrounding schools lets having recently taken over the service. Guests also had the opportunity to submit questions to Carol a few weeks before the forum giving her time to research and prepare answers. Some discussion and debate then followed around the discussed issues.
Karin Jackson, Sports Development Operations Manager for the Leisure Trust then presented on the up and coming review and creation of a new pitch strategy that was happening locally within East Dunbartonshire. Part of the review process will allow existing users of local pitches to feedback on current usage and issues arising. This led in nicely as the main speaker for the evening was Cameron Watt, Facilities Manager for the Scottish FA, who presented on the new published Scottish FA ‘Big Pitch Strategy’ and how this would hopefully shape the way local authorities would make decisions on building, maintaining, and converting current facilities.
Finally, guests were given local updates on new initiative and resources that their club could access through football.
We would also like to thank Alan Taylor, Football Development Manager, Kerry Kennedy, Girls and Women’s Club Development Officer, and Andy Gilchrist, Regional Manager, for their contribution on the night. The next Football Forum will be held on Monday 10th November 2014.