LAST year, hundreds – possibly thousands - of minor-grade football fans expressed their support and encouragement when the East Football Project was launched through the Local Heroes columns of the Evening News – and this wonderful initiative by volunteers to work in conjunction with Edinburgh City Council and that work is continuing. John McKenzie is the chairman of the EFP and he has given an update on the progress made, saying: “Following the approval by Sports and Leisure officials of Edinburgh Council of monies for a Feasibility Report on the East Football Project I would now update progress. The Feasibility Report has now been completed and presented to the committee of the East Football Project – the Report recommended Saughton Park as the preferred option for the new facility and the committee are now progressing with this option. We have now applied for a grant to fund a detailed Business Plan on the proposals and have issued tender documents to a selected list of consultants to provide a quotation for the preparation of the plan. Over the next few months we intend to contact and arrange meetings with the numerous interested parties, a list which includes the current users of Saughton Park, the local community and Lothian Thistle who use Saughton Enclosure. We will also be assisting with the Business Plan which we hope will enable us to progress further during the summer. The EFP committee is confident of success and if anybody would like to discuss the project or become involved on a practical basis, please call John McKenzie (home 0131 669 8723, or on mobile 07770 512 482!”

CASE STUDY - KILWINNING SPORTS CLUB