The future of Alyth Amateur Football Club (AFC) hangs in the balance as their home pavilion at Diamond Jubilee Park remains unusable nearly two years after a devastating fire. The blaze, which occurred in July 2023, significantly damaged the building just as renovations were nearing completion, forcing the club to play home games elsewhere and disrupting training schedules.
The fire, determined to be deliberate, caused extensive damage to the pavilion, impacting Alyth AFC’s ability to operate effectively. The club has been unable to host home games in Alyth for two years, relying on the goodwill of other teams and venues. The lack of floodlights, removed by Perth and Kinross Council a few years prior without consultation, has further compounded their difficulties, preventing evening training sessions at their home ground. Council Urged to Take Action
Alyth AFC, a first division team in the Perthshire Amateur Football Association, is now urging the council to expedite the pavilion’s repairs. Club president Dave Barclay expressed his concerns about the club’s future if the situation persists. He emphasized the club’s importance to the community, highlighting that Alyth AFC is the only remaining football club in the town, having previously boasted three. Barclay also acknowledged the generous support from locals through grants but stressed the council’s responsibility in maintaining vital community leisure facilities. He called for honesty and action from the council, reminding them of previous promises made regarding the pavilion’s restoration. Council Responds
Following inquiries, Perth and Kinross Council stated that they understand the pavilion’s significance to the Alyth community and acknowledge the club’s anxieties. A council spokesperson confirmed initial discussions have occurred with Alyth AFC, and a follow-up meeting involving the contractor, the club, and other stakeholders will be scheduled. The aim is to establish a collaborative approach to finalize the necessary repairs, ensuring the pavilion serves the community once again. The council’s renewed commitment offers a glimmer of hope for Alyth AFC, suggesting a potential end to their two-year struggle and a return to playing on their home turf.
The situation underlines the crucial role local authorities play in supporting grassroots sports and the importance of community engagement in maintaining vital leisure amenities. As Alyth AFC awaits the outcome of the upcoming meeting, the future of their club remains intertwined with the fate of the fire-damaged pavilion.
The fire, determined to be deliberate, caused extensive damage to the pavilion, impacting Alyth AFC’s ability to operate effectively. The club has been unable to host home games in Alyth for two years, relying on the goodwill of other teams and venues. The lack of floodlights, removed by Perth and Kinross Council a few years prior without consultation, has further compounded their difficulties, preventing evening training sessions at their home ground. Council Urged to Take Action
Alyth AFC, a first division team in the Perthshire Amateur Football Association, is now urging the council to expedite the pavilion’s repairs. Club president Dave Barclay expressed his concerns about the club’s future if the situation persists. He emphasized the club’s importance to the community, highlighting that Alyth AFC is the only remaining football club in the town, having previously boasted three. Barclay also acknowledged the generous support from locals through grants but stressed the council’s responsibility in maintaining vital community leisure facilities. He called for honesty and action from the council, reminding them of previous promises made regarding the pavilion’s restoration. Council Responds
Following inquiries, Perth and Kinross Council stated that they understand the pavilion’s significance to the Alyth community and acknowledge the club’s anxieties. A council spokesperson confirmed initial discussions have occurred with Alyth AFC, and a follow-up meeting involving the contractor, the club, and other stakeholders will be scheduled. The aim is to establish a collaborative approach to finalize the necessary repairs, ensuring the pavilion serves the community once again. The council’s renewed commitment offers a glimmer of hope for Alyth AFC, suggesting a potential end to their two-year struggle and a return to playing on their home turf.
The situation underlines the crucial role local authorities play in supporting grassroots sports and the importance of community engagement in maintaining vital leisure amenities. As Alyth AFC awaits the outcome of the upcoming meeting, the future of their club remains intertwined with the fate of the fire-damaged pavilion.