37 representatives from Scottish FA East Region Quality Mark (QM) clubs recently attended the East Region 'Football Champions' Event at Dundee University Playing Fields in Dundee.

The Football Champions are reps from the East Region QM clubs that meet on a quarterly basis to share good practice and discuss areas to develop club football.
 

This event was based around facility development and the group were treated to 3 guest speakers from East Region Community clubs - Gordon Deuchars (Dundee East Community Sports Club), Jerry Saunders (Letham Community Sports Club) and John Buchanan (Glenrothes Strollers). Each speaker provided a fascinating account into the background of their facility developments and an overview of their clubs structure.


Scottish FA Club Development Manager (East), Kevin Lee said "There is a definite change in clubs mentality within the East Region with a real will for clubs to provide better facilities for their local community. Clubs are being pro-active and are working together for the benefit of the community. Community Clubs with 20-30 teams is not unusual and are now putting forward strong cases to funders, local authorities, politicians and governing bodies that there is a definite need for development. There are now 11 Scottish FA Community Clubs with in the East Region who have a player pathway from children-youth-adults and offer football for both males and females. There are also six or seven other clubs who are looking to add to this figure which is excellent for the development and sustainability of club football within the East Region."


The event moved from the classroom onto the playing field, where the clubs were treated to a demonstration on 'developing technique of a young football player', delivered by Dundee City Council Football Development Officer Gavin Tinley.


The group will meet again in August and will continue with the theme of facility development and club capacity with a visit to Spartans FC. The Edinburgh based club has invited the East Region group down to view their facilities and provide an insight into their club structure.


For more information on how your club could become a Quality Mark club please contact Kevin Lee on 07432 638157 or kevin.lee@scottishfa.co.uk