Exclusive:Capital football club leave MSP 'in awe' as Council come under fresh pressure to deliver new ground

A capital MSP has revealed that the work done by an Edinburgh football club left him “in awe” over their contribution to the local community. And Daniel Johnson has vowed to keep piling pressure on Edinburgh Council to deliver a desperately needed new home ground for the largest grassroots club in the east of Scotland.

Johnson, who won cross-party support for a motion delivered in Holyrood yesterday, said he would be working with local MP Ian Murray to deliver on Edinburgh South CFC’s SEVEN-YEAR wait for a low profile, eco-friendly, all-weather community use facility at Inch Park.

Speaking after his address to fellow representatives, he explained: “I was pleased to be able to speak in the Scottish Parliament today after my motion received cross-party backing.

“I am in awe of the work that Edinburgh South CFC and Inch Park Community Sports Club do in the local community, and the nursery site (at Inch Park) is vital to their long-term sustainability – and ultimately their survival.

“While it is welcome that City of Edinburgh Council officials have now offered a date to meet, it should not have taken a motion and debate in the Scottish Parliament to reach this point.

“Ian Murray MP and I will continue to press the Council to provide the club with the long-term security and tenure it needs to plan for the future with confidence.”

South boast over a 1000 players from soccer school all the way up to men’s and women’s senior teams. The men are under constant threat of expulsion from the East of Scotland League, where they’ve climbed to just outside the play-off spots in the First Division, because of their lack of a dedicated home ground.

Ainslie Hunter’s side played at FIVE different ‘home’ venues last season and currently share the ageing Patties Road stadium with Third Division side Edinburgh United.

The women’s team, meanwhile, are forced to move games and training sessions when school holidays deny them access to their temporary home at Holy Rood High School. Alfie Smith’s side are currently sitting second in the SWFL East.

Ian Murray MP - pictured handing over a Community Hero award to Edinburgh South's head of women and girls' section, Agne Celik, and receiving a club jersey - has thrown his political muscle behind the Field of Dreams campaign. | Edinburgh South Community Football Club

Former Secretary of State for Scotland Murray has been a long-time supporter of South’s Field of Dreams campaign, which aims to deliver a proper facility – one that can be used by local schools and community groups, as well as the 80-plus South teams at all age groups – near to the club’s spiritual home and current club house.

South have already missed out on millions in government and Scottish FA funding because of the Council’s refusal to grant the club a lease on the site.

Speaking in support of the bid, Murray said: “This is one of the largest grassroots clubs in Scotland, supporting thousands of young people and families across Edinburgh South, yet it has been left for far too long without the facilities it needs to thrive.

“This isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’. Without secure pitches and proper changing facilities, children are being turned away, and the club, despite the amazing work it does, can't fulfil its full potential. A club that delivers so much for our community deserves stability, and certainty.

“I have consistently raised this issue locally, and this motion underlines that action is now overdue. I urge the Council to work together with the club to deliver a permanent solution in Inch Park, so this brilliant club can continue its amazing work across South Edinburgh."

South chief executive Joe Sneddon added: “For seven years we’ve done everything asked of us. Now we need a clear decision and long-term land security at Inch Park Nursery. Give us the land and we will deliver.”