Assisting Harris Football Club's journey to glory

Junior players of the Harris Football Club were heartened to receive funding towards the purchase and installation of two youth-sized football goals, plus a donation to the Club's new Community Minibus, due to a £15,700 Capital Grant provided by NHS Western Isles.

Currently, the Club’s facilities only include senior football goals, which are unsuitable for younger players and limit their ability to train and compete effectively.  The funding allocation now enables the Club to cater specifically to the needs of its young players, providing them with a safe, age-appropriate environment for skill development and match play.

Football provides a much-needed opportunity for children and teenagers to engage in outdoor activities, promoting physical activity in a natural setting. It encourages them to step away from sedentary behaviours like gaming and excessive screen time, which are increasingly linked to negative health outcomes.  

It is expected that the Club will also be able to increase its youth training sessions and tournaments, whilst encouraging more young people to participate in football. This will not only help improve their physical health but also promote teamwork, confidence, and mental well-being among young people in the local community.

In addition, with travel costs recognised as being the Club's biggest outgoing, a portion of the Capital Grant donation assisted the Club to purchase its very own minibus, in addition to securing additional monies through fundraising and a GoFundMe page.  The Community Minibus is expected to benefit the wider Harris community, as the Club has made it available for use by the local community groups who also travel to events, throughout the Hebrides and beyond.

NHS Western Isles Chair, Gillian McCannon, said: “NHS Western Isles was happy to support the purchase of the youth goals and contribute to the Community Minibus. For young people, grassroots football offers immense physical and mental health benefits. Regular participation enhances cardiovascular fitness, strengthens bones and muscles, improves coordination and agility, and fosters overall physical well-being. Beyond benefits for youth, football plays a vital role in connecting families and supporters across Harris.  The use of the minibus will also create opportunities for social inclusion, as well as help combat isolation and strengthens community bonds.”

Kenny Morrison, Chair of Harris Football Club, said “The Club is very appreciative towards NHS Western Isles for its funding award. We believe these upgrades and the purchase of the Community Minibus will make a significant difference in the sporting opportunities available to young people on the island, and we are excited about the positive impact this project will have.  This will enable our young players with opportunities to develop their skills, experience healthy competition, as well as build pride in the Harris community.  The use of the minibus will also create opportunities for social inclusion, as well as help combat isolation and strengthen our unique community bonds.”

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.