Local business sponsors new strips for Craigmillar youth football club during lockdown

Castlevale YDC does not charge parents for kit.

Mike Douglas, vice chairman of Castlevale YDC; Lawrence Girdwood, sponsor from Roofworx; his son John; Ryan Brooks, chairman of Castlevale YDC

A youth football club in Craigmillar has received new strips for each of its 140 members during lockdown thanks to a local business.

Castlevale Youth Development Club has been running for four years and has grown from 16 to 140 members.

The club, which offers membership to younger age groups and those whose families cannot afford to pay the fee, also provides strips for free.

Club member Myles in his new Castlevale kit.

In March Chairman Ryan Brooks began talks with local business Roofworx to sponsor some new kit as costs were becoming difficult.

He expected the company to back out due to the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and was delighted to take delivery of 140 new strips in May, which he and other coaches have been passing on to members in a socially distant manner.

“It really was fantastic, especially during the pandemic – a lot of businesses are struggling just now so for them to do this is wonderful,” said Mr Brooks.

All age groups of the club.

“I thought it wouldn’t go ahead but he [Lawrence Girdwood of Roofworx] was adamant.”

Mr Brooks added: “We don’t get any funding from anyone, it’s just been the community support that keeps us going.

“The club has really taken off, it’s like the Castlevale family.”