Spectator sports in East Dunbartonshire will receive a share of a £55million package announced by the SNP Scottish Government.
The support could help teams such as Rossvale, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and others cope with a difficult period where they have been unable to welcome fans to matches due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amongst the funding, £30m will go to football, £20m to rugby and £2.2m to ice hockey and rinks. The money goes over and above what has been provided by the UK government in Barnett consequentials and means the SNP Scottish Government can provide the funds each sport needs.
The move has been welcomed by local MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, Rona Mackay. The SNP MSP had been assisting local sports clubs, such as Rossvale, Kirky Rob Roy and others – such as Netball Fever and East Dunbartonshire Netball Club – navigate their way through the pandemic.
Commenting, Rona said:
“Sport is an integral part of our lives throughout Strathkelvin and Bearsden. I know the strength of feeling from everyone who has contacted by office seeking support – clubs and fans alike.
“That is why I am delighted the SNP Government has responded by engaging with our sporting bodies and tailoring a funding package to each sport and has gone above and beyond what was provided by the UK government in Barnett consequentials.
“No one is mistaking the impact the pandemic has had on our clubs. We all know fine well the benefits of exercise for our mental and physical health but also the incredible social outreach the sports clubs throughout East Dunbartonshire provide. “I would urge everyone throughout my constituency to ensure we keep following guidelines and doing our best to suppress the virus. If we can all do that then we can eventually return to stadia and watch our favourite team play.”