Gartcairn Football Academy kicks off official partnership with Orchard Brae
A proposed state-of-the-art community football hub in North Lanarkshire has taken a step forward this week, as Gartcairn Football Academy signed an official partnership to deliver new facilities, as part of our ambitious Europark development plans.
The partnership was announced on Sunday 17th November, as Gartcairn Women FC were in action in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2, and just one of the teams playing out of the current Gartcairn set-up who will benefit from the exciting partnership.
The impressive plans will see us partner with Gartcairn Football Academy and stakeholders to facilitate a £2.5 million investment, creating a clubhouse, spacious changing rooms, and two FIFA Pro quality pitches.
The hub would become the main base of the area’s Gartcairn Football Academy and is expected to welcome more than 700 young people per week, including a growing number of female players.
The Football Academy has seen continued support from ourselves over the past three years, having already provided new facilities at the club’s current site within Airdrie Leisure Centre, including new changing rooms, public toilets and a kitchen area.
Robert McCallum, Chairman of Gartcairn Football Academy, who has been instrumental in securing funding for the Community Sports Hub, based within the grounds of the proposed Europark development, said: “This is a proud moment for our football academy. This significant investment from Orchard Brae will help build on the excellent foundations we have already created within grassroots football, here in our community.
“Should the planning progress, the provision of state-of-the-art facilities for players of all ages, especially our growing women’s team and this partnership will ensure that our young athletes, both male and female, have the opportunity to develop their skills in a world-class environment.
“We are incredibly grateful for Orchard Brae’s commitment to supporting our club and the local community, and we look forward to a bright and healthy future for our players of all ages.”
The official partnership comes off the back of our commitment to creating a development that has community as its very core, with the new community hub central to the plans for the Europark development, which includes 980 homes in exclusive pockets surrounded by lush parkland. Approximately 60 per cent of the development will remain green and will be home to a new country park which will be the jewel in the crown. The proposals support wellbeing and a strong lifestyle balance, whilst protecting much of the woodland and heritage sites such as the North Calder water Canal which runs through the site.
Scott Gillespie, Orchard Brae Director, said: “This proposed investment and new official partnership with Gartcairn Football Academy aligns perfectly with our vision for Europark – creating a vibrant and inclusive space for people of all ages to thrive. We are committed to supporting the growth of grassroots football, especially the women’s game, and believe that this partnership will not only do this, but also make a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the local community.
“Our updated plans for Europark are more than just a development. By combining top-class facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community, we’re creating a place where people can live, work, and thrive, as well as a real emphasis on well-being and sustainability.
“This partnership with Gartcairn is just one example of how we’re investing in the future of our community, and we believe that Europark has the potential to bring investment, jobs and much-needed new homes, including affordable housing, to the area.”
On hand to help launch the new partnership and see Gartcairn Women FC beat Ayr United Ladies 4 – 0 on the day, was Mary Galbraith, chair of the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
Mary said: “”The new community football hub in North Lanarkshire will be a huge boost for women’s football in Scotland.
“It will provide essential additional facilities, and support for young female players, inspiring future talent, while helping to create more opportunities for girls and women in sport.”
Orchard Brae Ltd has submitted updated and enhanced plans to North Lanarkshire Council for its landmark Europark development, with the nationally significant proposed mixed-use development situated in a prime location, along the M8 corridor, between Carnbroe, Calderbank and Chapelhall.
