St Andrews United forge stronger links with town’s Colts

Saints, who recently had a £10,000 Common Good Fund (CGF) bid for the erection of floodlights at their home ground approved by councillors, were previously part of the St Andrews Community Football Club initiative, which created a pathway for young players to rise through the age groups.

That has since come to an end but the club remained keen to create strong relationships with local youth football clubs – and has this week announced a new link-up with St Andrews Colts.

As part of the CGF agreement, a condition was added that the club ‘must increase the offer of the pitches/grounds to St Andrews Colts and the wider community.’

Both parties are delighted that a better link has been forged. Saints secretary Donald Gellatly said: “It is clearly important to provide a pathway for young St Andreans to progress in the game and remain active as much as possible.

“St Andrews United will also benefit from an increased player pool in the local area if the current gap between the Colts and our first team is bridged but players of all ages ought to have access to our facilities, especially during the summer, when there are no league matches and the pitch is in top condition.”

His sentiments were echoed by Colts chairman Greig Dochard, who said the developments at Clayton Caravan Park Recreation Ground could only benefit football players and fans in the town and surrounding area.

Mr Dochard added: “I was also interested to note the Council has awarded a grant on the condition that members of the local community, especially the Colts, should be offered increased access to the facilities at Recreation Park. 

“There has not been a particularly strong link between the Colts and St Andrews United for the last couple of years but I know the latter is keen to develop ties between the sides.

“I am therefore sure that both committees will engage in positive discussions to increase access for the Colts at Recreation Park and I know our various age groups will enjoy playing on a well-tended pitch within another safe and secure environment.”

The Saints’ committee has been trying to gain membership of the Scottish Football Association for the last 18 months but the club’s current floodlights cannot provide enough light to meet the governing body’s basic standards.

However, the club has fulfilled all other obligations in terms of obtaining a licence that paves the way to become a full member of the SFA which could see them enter the Scottish Cup, raising the club’s profile further.

Mr Gellatly added: “We are extremely grateful for the help provided by the Common Good Fund.”

He also thanked the local councillors and others who had offered support during the funding process.