A generous football team have opted to hold training sessions outside, donating fees to a lifeline community centre.
Instead of paying money for expensive football facilities, Westcliff FC players have pledged their player fees to the John Connolly Centre in Renton.
They are paying forward the gesture from Andy Love who sponsored their home kits for the season as they start to assemble a competitive squad.
Team manager Marty said: “Training has been tough not only physically but with everything else going on too.
“Sport has given our players something to focus on and to look forward too.
“Quality football facilities are expensive so we took the decision to hold training sessions on public parks. We also decided to continue with player fees and look for a local charitable cause to donate these funds too, we felt this was a better use for this money.
“As an amateur side we need every penny available however, we are aware that due to current circumstances in the world right now, some local organisations are in need too.
“We have benefitted from help ourselves this season with Andy Love sponsoring our home kits for the season ahead so we know what it feels like to be the recipient of others good will so we are keen to give that back to others too. Thank you Andy.”
They chose the John Connolly Centre as there are some members of the team from Renton and Davy Smith has been running fitness sessions to promote wellbeing which some of the lads have taken part in.
Marty went on: “The money we raised from training was donated to the centre who look to bounce back after the pandemic.
“The centre plays an important role in our community who need a place to come together in a safe environment to continue safely, with their hobbies and interests. At Westcliff FC while we hope to make progress on the pitch, we also want to give back to our local area too.
“We’d like to thank the lads from the team for turning up and getting behind this project. We hope to continue to help the centre out and wish them well going forward.
They donated £150 to Renton Community Development Trust who own the centre.
Councillor Jim Bollan from the Trust said: “What a generous offer from Westcliff FC to the John Connolly Centre in Renton. It is very much appreciated and it will be put to good use as we continue to make improvements to the building. Thanks again and we hope Westcliff FC have a good and sucessful season this year.”
Davy runs Football Fitness which is a fun football related fitness session soon returning to the John Connolly Centre in Renton.
Anyone interested in attending these sessions now or in future should contact him on 07411976175 or by email to smiddyds@live.co.uk
