A DRUMCHAPEL club has been praised as being "part of the fabric of its community" during a visit by a UK Government Minister.
Minister for Scotland John Lamont dropped into a training session at Drumchapel United as he visited their recently upgraded high-tech football pitch at the Donald Dewar Centre.
Completed in 2022, the £150,000 all-weather pitch was made possible by Westminister's £20m Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities (MSGF) investment in Scotland.
And Mr Lamont praised the academy club for all they do for so many in the area, both boys and girls.
He said: "Even the pouring rain when I visited could not dampen the enthusiasm of the youngsters as they went through their drills, playing under the floodlights and the watchful direction of the coaching staff.
"The pitch is a magnificent facility, able to handle the worst the Scottish weather can throw at it.
"Drumchapel United, as well as their presence in the West of Scotland League, have a wide range of age-based sides to nurture young talent.
"I was particularly impressed by their emphasis on getting girls into football, and they report an uptick of interest thanks to the huge publicity surrounding the Women’s World Cup this summer."
The funding is targeted towards deprived areas and aims to increase participation among currently under-represented groups including women and girls and disabled players.
Funds can be used to create and improve pitches, including 3G pitches, as well as improve changing rooms and pavilions to ensure local clubs and school teams have the facilities they need to thrive.
Mr Lamont added: "It’s clear Drumchapel United are woven into the fabric of their community, just as football is intertwined with wider Scottish society.
"It is wonderful to see how that passion for the game links people.
"Some of the youngsters who are polishing their skills at the Donald Dewar today might well go on to glittering careers in football, whether as players or in the sport’s wider network of opportunities.
"But right now they are learning new skills, improving their fitness, gaining a better understanding of the game – and making new friends.
"Football is called ‘the beautiful game’ and when you see what’s happening on – and around – a pitch supported by the UK Government, it’s clear that’s about more than just a mazy run down the wing and a glorious goal.
"Our £20m injection into Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities is a great result for people right across the country."
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