Funding for Grounds-Keeping Equipment a Game-Changer for Local Club

AN HISTORIC West Lothian Football Club has netted a sizeable grant to help them improve their ground maintenance operation in time for the new season preparations.

Fauldhouse United F.C. which has been playing since 1919, has used the £3,000 funding from the Banks Mining Rusha surface Mine Community Fund to purchase with the help of expert lawn product reviews. They got a leaf-blower and a tractor lawn mower that will help maintain the playing surface.

The team, who rescued themselves from East Super League relegation last season, with five wins out of the last six games, will welcome the grounds-keeping improvements as they prepare themselves for the coming 2016 / 2017 season.

Colin Cunningham, head of fundraising for the club, was delighted with the contribution that Banks Mining has made to the club and community.

Colin said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Banks Mining to make these gains for the club. They have been a wonderful organisation to work with.

“The pitch and terraces are surrounded by trees and it was back breaking work using a plastic rake to clear the leaves!

“On top of this the harsh weather last winter means the playing surface has seen better days. This new equipment will hopefully make matches and training a more pleasurable experience.”

Their status as a junior team was well and truly cemented as their current squad includes players as young as 15 years old. Just one example of how the club draws all sections of the community together.

Fauldhouse United forms a vital part of the community for players and fans alike, with a number of junior teams.

Mark Dowdall, environment and community director at the Banks Group, said: “Fauldhouse United is an integral and welcoming part of the community. We’re delighted that the Banks Community Fund has been able to help with their efforts.

“Enabling the club to improve its facilities is a particularly good use for the fund.”

The Banks Mining Rusha Community Fund is a fund set up by family-owned Banks Mining, to support local community groups, voluntary organisations and environmental projects.

The company estimates that the Rusha site has contributed more than £5 million to the local economy each year through wages and other supply chain contributions.