New Pars boss to launch sports facilities for Crossford

Friday 6 May 2005

As Jim Leishman prepares to lead Dunfermline Athletic Football Club to victory against Dundee tomorrow in his first match as Acting Manager, he will be taking time out on Sunday to join the people of Crossford, to unveil the brand new sports facilities at King George V Memorial Park.

"We are delighted to have supported this great project with an award of £29,582 from sportscotland’s Lottery funded Sports Facilities Programme, widening sporting opportunities for so many in the area"

Supported by an award of £29,582 from sportscotland’s Lottery funded Sports Facilities Programme, the floodlit, all-weather multi court will be used by schools and the community for five-a-side football, tennis, basketball, hockey and netball. Additional funding for the £90,000 project was received from Fife Council, Fife Environmental Trust, New Opportunities Fund and Foundation for Sport and the Arts.

The project is just one of a number of regeneration ventures proposed by Crossford Recreation and the Environment (CREATE), a local voluntary group who have worked closely with Fife Council since August 2000 to improve recreational facilities at King George V Memorial Park in Crossford.

After consultation with the Council, members of the community, local schools and Crossford Sports Club, CREATE concluded that an all-weather multi-court would significantly benefit the area, providing a much needed sports facility for school and community use.

CREATE hopes that the new multi-court will encourage more members of the community, particularly the young people of Crossford, to take part in physical activity regularly as part of a healthy, active lifestyle.

As part of the official opening celebrations, a number of activities will be taking place on the day, including basketball and hockey demonstrations and a football match arranged by Crossford Sports Club.

Doug Hay, Vice Chairman of CREATE said: "CREATE are very pleased to finally deliver this part of their on-going programme to re-generate the King George V Park. The support from all areas of the community has been superb. From the Community Council, to the Sports Club, the school, Fife Council, the Scouts and Guides, Councillor Simpson, NPFA (Scotland), all have maintained their support for this project since CREATE was formed almost five years ago. Thanks should also go to the dedicated effort of the CREATE team. It has taken a real community effort to make this possible."

Alastair Dempster, Chairman, sportscotland said: "We are delighted to have supported this great project with an award of £29,582 from sportscotland’s Lottery funded Sports Facilities Programme, widening sporting opportunities for so many in the area.

"Quality, accessible facilities are key to introducing people to the benefits and enjoyment sport can provide.  By supporting projects such as this sportscotland hopes to increase levels of participation and encourage more people to be more active, more often."

• The official opening will take place at King George V Memorial Park, Crossford, Fife, KY12 8NY on Sunday 8 May at 12:30pm.
• You and your representative are invited to attend.