New era for Goathill Pitch

To drive forward our commitment to health and wellbeing and to help improve local sporting infrastructure, NHS Western Isles has provided a Capital Grant to Goathill Park Amenities Trust (GPAT) enabling them to upgrade the changing, storage and spectator areas of the Goathill Pitch in Stornoway.

A donation of £10,000 has enabled the Trust to enhance grassroots football participation on the island, benefiting both youth and adult players, as well as offering accessible, sheltered facilities for those with additional support needs to spectate and/or participate in the sport.

The donation has also enabled the upgrade of changing facilities by helping to renovate and enlarge the existing changing rooms, ensuring they are accessible for all, including those with mobility impairments.  This has included roof works to the external toilet and existing storage sheds. 

In addition, sheltered and accessible seating areas for spectators has been developed to allow the community to enjoy matches comfortably.  Improved weatherproof storage utilising a container has also been developed to house sports equipment, allowing easier access to sports equipment by teams and coaches.

Voicing his appreciation of the grant, Ali Maclean, GPAT Chair, said: “Goathill is the main football pitch used for Youth and Senior Cup Finals, representative matches with mainland Highland League and Scottish League teams.  We see these vital improvements as a massive step to enhancing the football experience on our island and sincerely thank NHS Western Isles for their valuable contribution.

“Regular physical activity through football helps to combat obesity, improve cardiovascular health, improves bone health, and develop and maintain motor skills.  In addition to these physical benefits, football fosters teamwork, discipline and resilience, all of which contribute to positive mental health outcomes.”

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “NHS Western Isles is proud to support local grassroots football. The sport is widely recognised for its profound impact on both the physical and mental wellbeing of all who partake in the sport – players and spectators alike.

He added: “These works will further encourage participation and tournaments that attract regional and national teams, strengthening community ties and helping to reduce the risk of social isolation.” 

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 to help support these groups.