Westside Football Club enhances supporter experience with new snack cabin

Supporters of Westside Football Club are now enjoying improved facilities at their home ground in Barvas, thanks to £7,500 in capital grant funding from NHS Western Isles.

Previously, the club operated a snack bar from a repurposed shipping container, transformed through voluntary labour from club members. The makeshift cabin quickly became a popular feature among fans, prompting the club to invest in a more permanent solution to better serve its growing supporter base.

A new anti-vandal cabin, which is insulated and internally lined, has been purchased by the Club. It benefits not only Westside supporters but also visiting fans from opposing teams.

For some spectators, especially during poor weather, access to a warm drink and a sheltered space can be the deciding factor in attending a match. The cabin includes an informal seating area, providing a welcoming spot for fans to take a break from the elements or simply enjoy a chat.

John Norman Macleod, Club Chairman, said: “Many of our regular supporters are in their 70s, 80s and even 90s and attending these matches is an important and enjoyable form of social interaction during the spring and summer months with young and old from within the community coming together. For some, it could be the highlight of their week – regardless of the final score.”  

The provision of a snack cabin supports the club’s goal of encouraging spectators of all ages to engage with local football. In recent years, the club has seen a rise in younger supporters and participants via the Club’s weekly Development Club which provides coaching to primary and secondary ages helping promote physical activity and reduce screen time among children.

NHS Western Isles Nurse and AHP Director/Chief Operating Officer, Frances Robertson, said: “We’re pleased to support Westside Football Club in enhancing facilities for their spectators. Providing a dedicated space for comfort and connection helps foster healthy outdoor social interaction across the community and age groups.”

This funding was made available to NHS Western Isles as capital grant funding, separate to revenue and capital core funding allocations for patient care and NHS services/staff. NHS Western Isles understands how difficult the financial situation can be for the third sector and not for profit organisations and bids for Capital Grant funding from NHS Scotland to help support these groups.