The Civil Service Strollers who are based at Christie Gillies Park on Marine Drive are on their way to Ayrshire this Saturday as they take on Irvine Meadow in the 2nd round of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup (writes CHARLES LAING).
The Strollers have been in fine form this month, winning their last 4 games and moving up to 9th in the Scottish Lowland League after defeating Broxburn on Saturday.
They also beat Dalry Thisle also from Ayrshire to reach the 4th round of the South Scottish Challenge Cup – thanks in no small part to striker Mackie Scott, who bagged 5 goals in 3 games!
So it’s fingers crossed for a good result and one step closer to a final at Hampden Park versus Hibs or Hearts!
The devastating earthquake in Turkey has had a real impact at our club and particularly for our committee member Nazmi and defender Baris who both hail from the country
We will be collecting donations from the list below at our game on Saturday at Christie Gillies Park.
Hibernian FC have underlined their continuing commitment to developing players by agreeing a strategic partnership with fellow city club Civil Service Strollers.
The Lowland League side, who play their home games at Christie Gillies Park in North Edinburgh, have huge ambitions to develop both at youth and senior level, and discussions between Hibs and Strollers have led to a mutually beneficial link being forged.
This follows Hibs’ similar partnerships with English Premier League side Brighton, Scottish League Two outfit Stenhousemuir, and USL Championship team Charleston Battery over in the United States.
Hibernian Sporting Director Graeme Mathie explained: “This strategic partnership is another key step in our Player Pathway model.
“We have utilised the loan system as part of our player development strategy for some time now and are convinced that early exposure to men’s football is key to the transition of young players from the Academy into the professional game.
“Civil Service Strollers have been an excellent partner for us for a number of seasons now and we are delighted to formalise the relationship at this time.”
Talented younger players like Jayden Fairley, Jack Brydon and Callum Yeats – who made a move to Queen’s Park this week – have all progressed from playing with Civil Service Strollers into the football league with Stenhousemuir, and the hope is that more Hibernian players can be offered similar opportunities in the near future.
Graeme added that Strollers head coach Gary Jardine will be a huge asset to the partnership moving forward: “He has taken a number of Hibernian young players on loan both from his time coaching Edinburgh City, and over the last number of years with Civil Service Strollers.
“Gary has shown a willingness and desire to play young players and all Hibernian players he has worked with over the years have been far better equipped for the demands of professional football having spent time working with him.
“We have spent a considerable amount of time and effort developing our strategic partnerships over the last 12 months and it would be great to see a young player’s journey progress from Civil Service to Stenhousemuir, to Charleston Battery, to the Hibernian First Team to Brighton in the EPL in coming years.”
Keith Stewart, Civil Service Strollers club secretary, said: “Civil Service Strollers are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside Hibernian and to have a part in a players progress to better themselves.
“We have always embraced the need for improvement and this partnership is a win-win for the clubs, young players and the future of our game.
“We would like to thank our manager Gary Jardine, Hibernian’s Graeme Mathie and the development team for their hard work setting this up and giving us the chance to work with such talented players.”
Civil Service Strollers continue their pre-season preparations with a home friendly against Dunfermline Athletic on Saturday.
A new name will be appearing on Civil Service Strollers shirts this season as a result of a new local partnership.
Strollers club secretary Keith Stewart explained: “We are delighted to announce that this season we have entered an agreement with Pilton Community Health Project (PCHP).
“We are currently looking at the ways that we can work together to promote and deliver effective health and wellbeing practices.
“Here at the Strollers, the tough year that we have all had has opened our eyes to the view that if you are healthy, you are wealthy. So, this season, instead of seeking sponsorship in the current economic climate, we have decided to support PCHP by promoting them on our youth and Lowland League teams shirt fronts and around the pitch at our own expense.
“We look forward to building a strong relationship with PCHP.”
PCHP’s Dawn Anderson said: “Pilton Community Health Project are delighted to announce a new partnership with Civil Service Strollers FC. This opportunity to work alongside Civil Service Strollers will help even more local people take steps to better health and increase access to a wide range of wellbeing initiatives tailored for the Club’s members and their families.
“Together, we hope to increase the impact of our resources locally, sharing ways to cope with the multiple impacts of the pandemic on our community, and ultimately feel stronger through looking after ourselves and each other.
“We welcome this innovative approach by the Civil Service Strollers and look forward to working with their members and developing a strong community partnership.”
Civil Service Strollers Youth FC have secured a grant from the City of Edinburgh Council to purchase new training equipment.
Forth and Almond Community Partnership allocated £1,249 to ensure the club can continue to deliver high quality coaching to over 120 local children each week.
Club Treasurer, Claire Kidd, said “We are very thankful to the council for this grant. With all clubs like ours fundraising is so important so that we can continue to keep our monthly costs to parents one of the lowest across the area.
“This grant will be used to purchase much needed new equipment and will be well used by the youth section. I would like to thank the Council and in particular, Elaine Lennon, for her assistance and guidance.”
The Strollers Youth section offers weekly football sessions for children and young people aged 5-19.
Civil Service Strollers have launched a new initiative that will see the club giving a FREE season ticket to every primary school pupil in north Edinburgh.
Adults attending matches with the children will get in for half price – just £3.00.
