A COMMUNITY has thrown it’s weight behind a bid to bring an all weather pitch to Baillieston.

Football team, Baillieston Thistle FC have launched a campaign calling on leaders to build adequate football pitch facilities in the area when work starts on a new community sports hub.

Glasgow Times: Baillieston Thistle FC have launched a petition to build facilities at the new community sports hubBaillieston Thistle FC have launched a petition to build facilities at the new community sports hub

John Provan from the club believes that there is a demand in the community for the facilities. He said: “We know there is a demand for this in the community. Within the first few days of starting the petition, we are sitting at nearly 800 signatures. We want to get as many as we can to show developers that people want this.”

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The team currently attracts around 80 children a week and also has an adult amateur team. John reports that eight players have made their way into the Scottish Football Association (SFA) academy structure with four different professional teams.

The club currently have an arrangement in place with some local schools, but John argues this situation is not sustainable. He said: “As our club footprint grows, we need storage and changing facilities. We want a local facility to ensure kids can walk or cycle so that their parents aren’t driving them everywhere.”

The move has been backed by local MSP John Mason and Chair of the Baillieston Community Council, Stevie Love.

Glasgow Times: Current facilities which the club feel are unsuitableCurrent facilities which the club feel are unsuitable

Stevie said: “To say there isn’t a desire or an appetite for a pitch in our area is a disgrace. The petition has around 800 signatures. We have to go outside our community to get to a football pitch. If we can get as much support behind this as possible - that would be great.”

John Mason MSP voiced his support for the bid. He said: “Broadly speaking I am happy to see as many facilities as possible provided at this new Hub at the James Lindsay Park. Football is one of the most popular sports and there is a consistent demand for more pitches.

Whatever facilities are provided in the end, it is important that they are shared and are available to all clubs and individuals in the area.”

Readers who would like to sign the petition can do so here.