Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, has “warmly welcomed” more than £500,000 in funding from the UK Government for five multisport facilities in Lanarkshire.
As part of the UK Government’s 2022/23 commitment, 23 sites in Scotland will see their facilities improved, significantly increasing the availability and access to high quality facilities for football and other grassroots sports.
A key priority for the Government is to level up access to community sports facilities in all parts of the UK, to help as many people as possible to get involved in sport and to deliver all of the mental and physical health benefits associated with active and healthy lifestyles.
The five facilities to benefit from the 2022/23 round of investment in Lanarkshire includes:
- Motherwell FC Community Trust in North Lanarkshire has received £182,000 for a replacement 3G pitch
- Keir Hardie Leisure Centre in North Lanarkshire has received £132,000 for an artificial pitch
- East Kilbride United in South Lanarkshire has received £73,500 for solar panels
- Strathaven Dynamo AFC in South Lanarkshire has received £20,562 for floodlights
- East Kilbride Community Trust in South Lanarkshire has received £92,541 for floodlights
Mr Simpson says of the funding will benefit many people across the region, including underrepresented groups and those from more deprived areas.
He added that this was “further evidence” of the UK Government’s commitment to level up access to sport across Scotland, which is vital for the physical and mental health of residents in Lanarkshire.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “It’s fantastic news that five multisport centres in Lanarkshire are receiving a significant amount of investment to improve their facilities.
“This funding will not only increase the availability and access to high quality facilities but directly benefit those from underrepresented groups or deprived areas keen to get involved.
“Lanarkshire’s sport clubs are the beating heart of our region and the UK Government’s partnership with the Scottish FA will reinforce the power of football locally.
“This is further evidence of the UK Government’s commitment to level up access to sport across Scotland, which is vital for the physical and mental health of residents in Lanarkshire”.
