Campaigners are urging Renfrewshire Council chiefs to pump cash into Gryffe High School’s outdoor facilities – or risk losing out on future generations of sporting talent.
Houston United have kick-started a petition calling for the 3G and red blaes surfaces at the school to be overhauled.
So far, the petition has been signed by more than 400 people.
Club coach Alasdair Burns said the campaign is gathering momentum, with former Scotland international Ally McCoist and councillor Jim Sheridan offering their support.
Alasdair said: “The blaes pitches are in a really bad state and there’s a 3G pitch that’s been down for a long time.
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“It should be thick but when it’s been used for years and years, it wears down to something like a carpet.
“They’re meant to be replaced every so often but independent assessors say its satisfactory. However, Ally McCoist was there on Saturday and he said it was poor.
“It’s certainly not suitable for football. The facilities don’t encourage anyone, so if we have better facilities, the more chances there is of nurturing future talent.
“Obviously as a football team we want to upgrade the pitch but we also want facilities that can be used by clubs of all sports. In terms of other schools in the area Gryffe High is the poor relation. It’s been forgotten about.”
Councillor Sheridan said: “I’m very happy to back this campaign and I urge the chief executive of Renfrewshire Council to find and commit the necessary resources to upgrade the outdoor sports facilities at Gryffe High School.
“There’s big backing for this campaign in the community with more than 300 people signing the petition in the first 12 hours.
“It goes to show that a community-led approach can get clubs and society working together with Gryffe High School and Renfrewshire Council to develop welcoming, safe and fun outdoor environments for sport participation all year round. Let’s make this happen.”
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Former Rangers player McCoist added: “The outdoor sports facilities at Gryffe High School are in need of investment as they have deteriorated over the years and are now in need of a review to allow them to cater for and encourage this and future generations to actively participate in various sports.
“Wouldn’t it be great if we could look at creating a wider community benefit and create a venue that can be used all year round by various local sporting clubs?”
A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “School sports facilities are made available to community sports teams through Renfrewshire Leisure.
“Gryffe High School has outdoor facilities of a 3G artificial football pitch, 200m running track and a hockey pitch available for community use, as well as an indoor sports hall and gymnasium.
“We are developing our school estate management plan which will be presented to our education board in May and this will include prioritising any key upgrades to school facilities in most urgent need.”
