The Scottish FA has today launched a partnership with Howdens Kitchens to improve clubhouse facilities at grassroots football clubs across the country.
Howdens' Game Changer programme will see the kitchen company fund 60 club kitchens over the next three years for grassroots clubs in Scotland, who can apply here to download application forms - www.scottishfa.co.uk/gamechanger
To help launch the programme, Scotland Women's National Team legend Julie Fleeting - who boasts 116 goals and 121 caps for her country - and Chris Kamara lent their support, driving home the importance of grassroots football and clubhouse facilities on their own careers.
Julie said: "Over the years I've visited many clubhouses and it's fair to say the kitchen facilities have varied – from tiny kitchenettes serving crisps and sandwiches, to bars serving hot food.
"The kitchen is the hub of the club, bringing together players, supporters and the wider community and that's why I'm so pleased to be involved with the Howdens Game Changer programme, where grassroots clubs all over Scotland are set to benefit."
Andrew Livingston, Chief Executive Officer, Howdens, added: "There is quite rightly a lot of attention on grassroots football and what happens on the pitch.
"We feel that the off-pitch facilities are very important too, because clubhouses are the hub of the community, they're the place for teas and coffees for the taxi of mum and dad, where the frozen wet feet of the army of volunteers dry off, and when the post-match discussion starts.
"If kitchens are the heart of our homes, then kitchens should be the heart of community grassroots football too."
Howdens will support and fund the kitchens and will help connect successful clubs with local tradespeople, for the fit, via its depot network across the country.
Paul McNeil, Head of Football Development at the Scottish FA, said: "Our 500-strong network of Quality Mark-accredited clubs is the cornerstone of grassroots football and we're committed to strengthening every aspect of local clubs and improving facilities beyond pitches.
"Therefore, we're delighted to be working in partnership with Howdens on their Game Changer programme. By providing new kitchens at these clubs, we hope to help them grow and thrive and make a positive impact on the lives of their players, supporters and the wider community."