Jeanfield Swifts are ready to unveil bold plans aimed at transforming the club into a community powerhouse capable of having a major impact on people’s lives.
The Perth scheme is one of three to have been selected for the Big Lottery Fund Developing Community Clubs’ pilot project.
Club chiefs say the money being made available will have far-reaching consequences – beginning with a community asset transfer of the land the stadium sits on.
An adjacent derelict piece of land would then be used to develop affordable and social housing in the North Muirton community.
That will in turn help fund the upgrade of the club’s existing sports facilities and pitches, including both 7-a-side and 11-a-side 3G pitches.
The proposals have been hailed by the SFA as evidence of the “ambition” and “forward-thinking” displayed by the club.
Full details of the project will be unveiled at a presentation at the Swifts’ Riverside Stadium on Monday.
Jeanfield Swifts have long had community at their heart and the club runs numerous social initiatives designed to promote healthy living and wellbeing.
It already operates boys’ and girls’ football teams, together with futsal, disability football, pilates and karate classes and mother and daughter sessions.
A desire to do more has been restricted by the current facilities.
Ultimately, the Swifts hope to develop a multi-sport hub offering a range of activities.
That will tie into the Active Perth and Kinross Strategic Plan’s objectives for tackling inequalities, including providing better health, social and economic outcomes for everyone across Perth and Kinross.
Ahead of Monday’s community club presentation, Swifts club secretary Iwan Davies said: “Our main priority is to integrate ourselves with the community.
“We realise we are a community club – a lot of our players come from the community – but we need to expand that network to work with people who aren’t necessarily going to play football, but who have needs in another capacity.
“Through the project we want to create a facility that is more sustainable and more effective – one that links in to local partners such as schools and community organisations.
“We want to create something that is available to the community whenever they need it, rather than when the weather dictates.
“We see our role transforming from one offering opportunities for children to play football to one offering the entire community opportunities to get healthier and fitter.”
Mr Davies added: “Initiatives such as the Developing Community Clubs project are enormously beneficial.
“We wouldn’t know where to start a project of this magnitude without the professional advice with which the Scottish FA has been able to connect us, but it is now close to becoming a reality.”
Gavin Tinley, club development manager at the Scottish FA’s East region, said: Jeanfield Swifts are an ambitious and forward-thinking club that recognises football can be hugely influential within the community.
“A core component of their business plan focuses on social impact and their plans include a new facility that will act as a catalyst to support and drive this engagement.”
