A plan to transfer ownership of Almswall Park from the council to Kilwinning Community Football Academy will be considered at North Ayrshire Council’s cabinet tomorrow.
Almswall Park – incorporating the pavilion and football grounds – was previously leased from the council by KA Leisure.
The community asset transfer would allow the club to move forward with its plans to provide a base for youth football and community activity in the local area.
The club’s aim is to use football to engage and inspire people to build a better life for themselves and unite the communities they live in. It does this through football coaching, educational programmes and personal development.
Ownership of Almswall Park would enable the club to reduce its monthly revenue pressures and instead use this money to invest in its future as well as building on the venue’s profile as an all-weather facility.
Mick Baird, chairperson of Kilwinning Community Football Academy, said: “We are excited at the prospects of owning a community-based facility that we can redevelop into a vibrant community hub for all to use and for Kilwinning to be proud of. We cannot thank council staff enough for their assistance and guidance throughout this process.”
The council is also considering a community asset transfer of a former cleaning and grounds maintenance depot in Kilbirnie to the Garnock Valley Men’s Shed group.
Councillor Louise McPhater said: “Community asset transfers provide a chance for people to be involved in developing and providing opportunities or services for their local communities.
“We are delighted to consider proposals from the Garnock Valley Men’s Shed and Kilwinning Community Football Academy. They both do a fantastic job of working with people in our communities to give them a focus and purpose which helps with their wellbeing and prospects moving forward.
“This is community empowerment in action, not just words. It gives meaningful power and resources to local groups that are making a real difference in our communities.”
