Tag: Sport

Leith Rugby Club crowned winners of Royal Bank RugbyForce

Annual grassroots sustainability programme provides vital funds as the nation’s clubs look ahead to the new season

Leith Rugby Club has been awarded £1,000 and a chance to meet Scotland International stars, after gaining Hero Club status in this year’s Royal Bank RugbyForce initiative.

Beating strong competition from over 130 entries, the Edinburgh club will receive its prize ahead of Royal Bank RugbyForce Weekend* on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th August.

The weekend typically see’s rugby clubs across Scotland host a range a pre-season events, such as volunteer DIY and Community Fun Days, raising awareness of the positive impact that Scotland’s grassroots clubs have within their local areas.

Royal Bank RugbyForce is a nationwide rugby programme launched by Royal Bank of Scotland in association with Scottish Rugby. Since launch, more than half a million pounds has been distributed, directly benefiting three-quarters of amateur rugby clubs in Scotland.

With the pandemic causing unprecedented financial pressures, this year’s funding will help amateur clubs across Scotland to improve facilities, attract new members and to develop sustainable futures.

In partnership with Scottish Rugby, and subject to Covid-protocol at the time, Leith Rugby club will be visited by Scotland Internationals on RugbyForce Weekend*, including players from the women’s national XV, the men and women’s sevens teams or ex-legends of the Scottish game.

To help clubs through this period where they have to adapt to new guidelines, Royal Bank has also developed a toolkit for grassroots clubs, including information and advice on how they can remain financially sustainable, helping them to safeguard their clubs and the sport for the future. 

The bank has also provided ‘Return to Rugby’ kits including social distancing solutions, directional signage and sanitation essentials as well as new bibs, balls and cones.

New for this year, grassroots heroes aged 18-35 from Scotland’s local rugby club have been encouraged to apply to become ‘Young Ambassadors’ as part of a fresh focus on the future by broadening the diversity of rugby club boardrooms.

The programme is working together with Scottish Rugby to appoint 10 Young Ambassadors onto club committees, providing them with an additional £500 grant from Royal Bank to deliver a project of their choosing.

An announcement on the winning Young Ambassadors will take place on the 19th July. Winners will be selected from all five Scottish Rugby regions and will be picked based on how their project helps their club to broaden their appeal in the local community and create positive societal change, as well as the great work they are currently delivering through their commitment to their club.

Jamie Drummond, club captain at Leith Rugby Club said: “Royal Bank RugbyForce Weekend is marked out in our calendars every season and we’re absolutely delighted to be one of this year’s winners.

“It’s been a tough eighteen months for clubs like ours up and down the country and programmes like this have proven to be more vital than ever. We can’t wait for RugbyForce Weekend and hopefully we can put on a fantastic event for our local community, bringing our club together and welcoming as many new faces as we possibly can.”

Malcolm Buchanan, Chairman, Royal Bank of Scotland, Scotland Board, said: “Leith Rugby Club thoroughly deserve their Royal Bank RugbyForce award win having delivered some vital work in their local community throughout the pandemic. 

“After a year where the resilience and spirit of the grassroots game has been tested like never before, we are proud to maintain our continued commitment to the Scottish game and we are really looking forward to helping Leith and rugby clubs across the country to get back on their feet and return to the action on the pitch.”

The Leith club is celebrating it’s centenary this year:

Season 2021/22 will mark 100 years since, in 1921, the Leith Academicals Rugby Football Club was formed through a grant from the Leith Academy F.P. Association and the start of 100 consecutive years of rugby in Leith.

From the early days as one of the top junior clubs in Scotland, through our wonderful 70 years at Hawkhill, to today and our fantastic Academy Park home, we’ve lots to remember, cherish and celebrate.

To ensure we do that in a style befitting the birthday season, we’ve a range of events and activities planned as part of our centenary programme. We’re adding more events and details of those planned as they’re confirmed, and you can follow keep up to date on Facebook and at our website: https://bit.ly/2RDOazY

We hope you’ll participate in any and the many that interest you, as we bring the Leith Rugby community together to mark what will be a memorable season, as we honour our past, and continue to build our future.

#persevere

SPFL Trust Trophy draw

The draws for the first and second rounds of the SPFL Trust Trophy were made yesterday:

Tournament draw 

First round – North Section

Brechin City v Buckie Thistle
Dundee B v Peterhead
East Fife v St Johnstone B
Hibernian B v Elgin City
Brora Rangers v Aberdeen B
Fraserburgh v Cowdenbeath
Forfar Athletic v Formartine United
Ross County B v Stirling Albion
Stenhousemuir v Dundee United B 

First round – South Section

Dumbarton v Rangers B
Livingston B v Albion Rovers
Edinburgh City v Heart of Midlothian B
Celtic B v Annan Athletic
Queen’s Park v Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic
Broomhill FC v Clyde
Falkirk v East Kilbride
St Mirren B v Kelty Hearts
Stranraer v Motherwell B 

Second round – North section

Montrose v Ross County B or Stirling Albion
Brora Rangers or Aberdeen B v Arbroath
Cove Rangers v Stenhousemuir or Dundee United B
Fraserburgh or Cowdenbeath v Alloa Athletic
Raith Rovers v Forfar Athletic or Formartine United
Hibernian B or Elgin City v Dunfermline Athletic
Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Brechin City or Buckie Thistle
Dundee B or Peterhead v East Fife or St Johnstone B

Second round – South section

Airdrieonians v Queen’s Park or Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic
Celtic B or Annan Athletic v Morton
Hamilton Academical v Edinburgh City or Heart of Midlothian B
Dumbarton or Rangers B v Ayr United
Kilmarnock v Falkirk or East Kilbride
Stranraer or Motherwell B v Partick Thistle
Queen of the South v Broomhill FC or Clyde
Livingston B or Albion Rovers v St Mirren B or Kelty Hearts

First-round ties are scheduled for the midweek of August 10/11

Second-round ties are scheduled for the weekend of September 4/5

For the first time in an SPFL competition, a bracketed draw from round three onwards will be published today (07 July), allowing clubs to plot their potential path to the final.

Strolling to success!

Civil Service U-14s complete League and Cup double

Civil Service Strollers U-14s celebrated a double success this week after picking up the Paladin Cup days after being crowded league champions.

The North Edinburgh club had to wait until the last day of the season to clinch the Division 3 league title and on Tuesday they came from 4-1 down at half-time to win the Paladin Cup on penalties against Cramond.

Coach, Ryan McIntyre, said: “With everything that has been going on it is great that our players worked hard and brought in two trophies this season.

“We have played well and the boys deserved to win the league and cup double.

“They are a really great bunch of lads and have potential play at a really high level when they get older.

“All the hard work has paid off. 

“The club has been buzzing the past few days and it’s been great for the team and the other coaches.

“We will now have some time off before we start pre-season.” 

The R&A opens ticket ballot for the 150th Open

The ticket ballot for The 150th Open has opened today, giving golf fans around the world the opportunity to secure a ticket for the historic Championship.

The 150th Open, taking place from 10-17 July 2022 in St Andrews, is set to be a true celebration of golf and the long history of golf’s original championship, as well as the many great champions who have lifted the iconic Claret Jug.

With record-breaking levels of demand anticipated for the milestone championship at the home of golf the ballot was introduced to provide the fairest way for golf fans of all generations to obtain tickets.

The ticket ballot will run until Monday, 4 October and will give fans plenty of time to register their interest in tickets. A balance of allocations will ensure fans from near and far will be able to attend the celebrations in St Andrews next summer. Fans will find out the results of the ticket ballot by the end of November 2021.

The ticket ballot is available exclusively to members of The One Club, the free-to-join membership programme. Members who have already registered their interest for the ballot can now apply for tickets. Fans can still sign up at any time via www.TheOpen.com and apply for tickets.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “We are looking forward to a very special occasion in golf next year with The 150th Open being played at the birthplace of the game in St Andrews.

“We will be celebrating one of the most prestigious and renowned events in the sporting calendar and will be welcoming some of its greatest champions past and present.

“The ticket ballot gives as many fans as possible the chance to be part of this fantastic championship and make it an occasion to remember.”

Ticket prices for The 150th Open will be £95 for an adult on Championship Days and will range from £20 to £50 on practice days.

The R&A is fully committed to encouraging more children and young people to attend The Open and free tickets will be available to children through the successful and long-running Kids go Free programme, while half-price youth tickets are available for 16-24 year-olds. In order to give as many people as possible the chance to attend the Championship, weekly tickets are being discontinued.

Hospitality for the Championship has been on sale since last year, with 90% of packages already sold. The remaining Origins Hospitality, incorporating a range of fully inclusive experiences, is available to purchase now and is the only way fans can guarantee their place at the Championship.

Visit www.TheOpen.com/hospitality2022 for further information.

Earlier this month, The R&A launched the new 150th commemorative brand which will be displayed across a campaign of content and activations that will run throughout the next 13 months until the conclusion of next year’s Championship at St Andrews.

The focus of the campaign is the remarkable journey of The Open and its enduring impact on players, fans and the sport of golf itself since it was first staged back in 1860, emphasising the campaign’s central message that ‘everything has led to this’ as we count down to what promises to be a truly unforgettable occasion.

For more information on The 150th Open or to sign up to The One Club and enter the ticket ballot, visit www.TheOpen.com.

Morrisons serve up Tennis Treats!

With fewer spectators allowed to sit on centre court this year, Morrisons is making it easy for customers to get into the spirit of the sport at home.

For a limited time only, customers can get their hands on The Tennis Treats Box which contains everything they need to serve up an ace Wimbledon party.

It contains essential British refreshments including Pimms, strawberries, cream and of course, Robinson’s. What’s more, you’ll receive a complimentary water bottle and tournament chart courtesy to track the matches.

It costs £32 which includes nominated day delivery by courier.

For a complete hassle-free experience customers will receive a text message in the morning with an hour delivery slot, so they know exactly when to expect it.

Hibernian and Civil Service Strollers agree strategic partnership

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.

Capital clubs combine to show Covid the red card

Mobile testing units for people without Covid symptoms are running at both Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian Football Clubs as cases continue to rise in the Capital.

The community testing centres are aimed at breaking the chain of transmission in areas where case numbers remain stubbornly high by tracing cases which haven’t produced any symptoms but could still be infectious.

Council Leaders today praised both football clubs for their role in helping stop the spread of the virus in their communities.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Just yesterday the First Minister advised that the aim is to move all parts of Scotland into Level Zero by 19 July, which is very positive news.

“We want to do everything we can to get case numbers down in Edinburgh as quickly as possible so that we can achieve that goal and enjoy fewer restrictions on our daily lives, so it’s crucial we find out where cases are – and isolate them.

“I’m delighted that both Hibs and Hearts are working closely with us and the Scottish Ambulance Service on community testing and I’d like to thank both clubs for their support and dedication to their communities’ wellbeing.”

Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said: “As things continue to open up, it’s vital we all test ourselves regularly to check we’re not carrying the virus and unwittingly putting our loved ones and community at risk.

“It’s important to remember you can still get infected even if you’re double-vaccinated, and about 1 in 3 cases won’t show any symptoms. Well done and thank you to both our much-loved clubs for teaming up with us to show Covid the red card in Edinburgh.

The drive through testing centre at the rear of the East Stand at Easter Road opened on Tuesday 22 June.

Greg McEwan, Head of Marketing and Brand Partnerships at Hibernian Football Club, said: “Hibernian are pleased to be able to partner up with the City of Edinburgh Council in their efforts to curb the virus with a pop-up testing site at the Stadium.

“Easter Road Stadium is a prominent venue within the community and indeed Edinburgh so it’s a pleasure to offer our facilities.”

Meanwhile, a mobile testing unit has been operating beside the Wheatfield Stand at Tynecastle since last week.

Ann Park, Director for Communities and Partnershipes at Heart of Midlothian Football Club, said: “Heart of Midlothian encourage everyone to take up the offer of regular community testing and are delighted to help the continued fight against COVID-19 by hosting the mobile testing centre at Tynecastle.

“If we all get tested regularly we are able to then take the necessary action to stop the spread of the virus. If you live in the local area please drop in and do your bit to help stop the spread.”

Mobile testing units offering free PCR tests are currently available at:

  • Walk up mobile testing unit, Heart of Midlothian Football Club, Wheatfield Stand accessed via Wheatfield Street/Place, from Thursday 17 to Sunday 27 June, 10am to 6pm
  • Drive though mobile testing unit at Hibernian Football Club, in the car park behind the East Stand accessed off Albion Place/Hawkhill Place from Tuesday 22 June to Monday 28 June,  9.30am to 4.30pm
  • Walk up mobile testing unit, North West Locality office, 8 West Pilton Gardens until Sunday 27 June, 10am to 6pm – test pick-up available

Free Covid tests are also available without appointments at the following libraries:

  • McDonald Road Library from Monday 14 June to Saturday 3 July (closed Sunday 27 June) 9am to 6pm – test pick-up available
  • Gilmerton Library from Monday 21 June to Saturday 3 July 9am to 6pm – test pick-up available
  • Wester Hailes Library from Monday 21 June to Saturday 3 July 9am to 6pm – test pick-up available

Lothian’s grassroots football community secure EUFA EURO 2020 legacy packs

Lothian’s youth football community is set to benefit from UEFA EURO 2020 Club Legacy Packs which will pave the way for future generations to follow in the footsteps of local Scotland goalkeepers Craig Gordon and Jon McLaughlin.

To celebrate Glasgow’s role as one of the 11 host cities, the Scottish FA teamed up with Glasgow Life to release 50 individual UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Club Legacy Packs to enhance the provision of grassroots football activities in Scotland.

Following entries ranging from Banff to Helensburgh and Strathaven, the packs have now been awarded to 50 clubs which hold Scottish FA Quality Mark accreditation. With sides from each of Scotland’s four regions securing their packs, clubs across the nation are set to benefit from specialist equipment including balls, bibs and goals which will play a pivotal role in their provision of football activities and assist in the development of Scotland’s young generation of footballers. 

One of the clubs that has been awarded a legacy pack is Murieston United Community Football Club (above) which will use the UEFA EURO 2020 branded equipment to cater for more than 350 of their registered players.

The Livingston-based team pride themselves as the heart of their community and have been rewarded for providing an excellent player pathway, which has played a role in the development of international stars including Scott Arfield, Jenna Fife and Hayley Lauder.

Allan Salvona, Treasurer of Murieston United Community Football Club, said: “Scotland gaining qualification has given our members a real buzz again. It’s allowed coaches of our younger team to encourage some of the players to be like their heroes that qualified for the EUROs. Some of the younger players are now feeling inspired to be like Scotland internationals.”

Throughout the summer, Murieston aim to use their new equipment within intra-club tournaments and festivals which will showcase some of the nationalities represented within their organisation. Commenting on the UEFA EURO 2020 Club Legacy Packs, Allan added: “The equipment on offer will also allow us to continue hosting a range of exciting initiatives that we plan to hold over the coming weeks.”

Govan side Harmony Row, the youth team that nurtured a young Sir Alex Ferguson, were the first club to receive a pack in support of their excellent community links across Glasgow, spanning many decades. 

Commenting on the UEFA EURO 2020 Legacy Packs, Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Lockdown has been a difficult time for all of us but for kids especially. It’s fantastic to see my old boys club, Harmony Row, benefit along with other youth clubs and it’s an important part of qualifying from the Scottish FA and the city: to make sure that it has a direct benefit to young people.

“Harmony Row played a pivotal role in my development from a very young age, not only as a footballer, but as a person.”

MSP’s delight as Edinburgh receives £846,000 for childrens’ summer activities

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon Macdonald, has expressed his delight as the City of Edinburgh Council is set to receive £846,000 from the Scottish Government to encourage children to play and socialise as part of the recovery from the pandemic.

Councils across Scotland will receive a share of £15m to support summer activities that are already in place in certain areas.

The support will specifically target those aged up to 25 from low income households who may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays.

£5m will also be distributed among prominent Scottish children’s charities such as Barnardo’s and Who Cares Scotland.

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: “I am absolutely delighted at this investment in Edinburgh’s children and young people, who have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic as they have not been able to meet up with friends or play the sports they love.

“Coming out of the pandemic young people have told us that their mental health will be a priority and the SNP Scottish Government has listened to them and is investing in summer activities.

“This will have a positive impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of our young people, which will be extremely important when coming out of lockdown and into recovery.”

A Pizz-a Every Nation!

Morrisons launches limited-edition Euros Pizza

Morrisons has launched a limited-edition ‘Best of Europe Pizza’ so customers can grab a slice of the action during Euro 2020.  

The 14” pizza combines flavour favourites from four footballing giants, with Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy all coming together to make one pizza perfect to watch the group stages with.

Divided into quarters, Morrisons ‘Best of Europe Pizza’ is topped with frankfurters and red onion, chorizo and chargrilled peppers, mozzarella and pesto, and spicy peri peri chicken.

So, no matter if you’re rooting for Ronaldo, supporting Sane or cheering for Jorginho there’s no worrying about your loyalties as the Morrisons pizza combines the best bits from every country.

With the British weather warming up and restrictions around group gatherings relaxed, the new pizza is landing in-store at the perfect time for Euro 2020 parties and is being released ahead of England, Wales and Scotland’s first games in the tournament.  

Priced at just £3.89, Morrisons ‘Best of Europe Pizza’ is a fraction of the price of limited-edition pizzas at high street pizza restaurants. It will be hand-made by Morrisons Market Street experts in counters nationwide from Thursday 10 June. 

Leanne Cory, Pizza Buyer at Morrisons, said: “With so much excitement for the Euros, we wanted to give customers the ultimate opportunity to tuck into the best flavours of Europe, whilst enjoying the match.”

Morrisons ‘Best of Europe Pizza’ has the following countries’ flavours:  

  • Germany – Frankfurter sausage, red onion and mustard
  • Spain – Chorizo and chargrilled peppers
  • Italy – Mozzarella, pesto and tomato
  • Portugal – Spicy piri piri chicken

It is available from Morrisons Pizza Counters until Sunday 11 July and costs £3.89.