Gartcairn Football Academy signs partnership with developer Orchard Brae for new £2.5m community football hub

Gartcairn Football Academy has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with developer Orchard Brae to establish a new community football hub, valued at £2.5 million. The partnership is part of Orchard Brae’s expansive Europark development plans, and the collaboration was revealed as Gartcairn Women FC competed in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2.

The proposed community football hub in North Lanarkshire has made significant progress with this strategic partnership as Airdrie’s Gartcairn Football Academy and stakeholders join forces with Orchard Brae. This new venture aims to bring state-of-the-art facilities to the local community, including a clubhouse, spacious changing rooms, and two FIFA Pro quality pitches. The hub is anticipated to serve as the primary facility for the Gartcairn Football Academy, catering to over 700 young individuals weekly, with a focus on increasing female participation in football.

Over the past three years, Orchard Brae has consistently supported Gartcairn Football Academy, enhancing the club’s current site at Airdrie Leisure Centre with new amenities such as changing rooms, public toilets, and a kitchen area. Chairman of Gartcairn Football Academy, Robert McCallum, expressed his pride in securing funding for the Community Sports Hub within the proposed Europark development, highlighting the positive impact it will have on grassroots football in the community.

Scott Gillespie, Director of Orchard Brae, emphasised the alignment of this investment and partnership with the vision for Europark, aiming to create an inclusive space for all age groups to thrive. The developers are committed to fostering the growth of grassroots football, particularly in the women’s game, with the belief that this collaboration will not only advance sports development but also contribute to the community’s health and well-being.

The partnership launch was attended by Mary Galbraith, Chair of the Scottish Women’s Premier League, who commended the new community football hub for its potential to significantly boost women’s football in Scotland. Despite some controversy surrounding the Europark development along the M8 corridor, between Carnbroe, Calderbank, and Chapelhall, this strategic partnership signifies a major step forward for sports development and community engagement in the region.

In conclusion, the partnership between Gartcairn Football Academy and Orchard Brae represents a landmark initiative to enhance sports infrastructure and foster community participation in football. The investment in modern facilities and support for grassroots football, especially in women’s sports, showcases a commitment to nurturing talent and promoting active lifestyles within the local community.