Stenhousemuir chairman’s diary: Tending to the grassroots game

He writes...

I took part in a Parliamentary Cross-Party Group meeting this week that was dealing with football. The focus was on the grassroots game and the impacts from the coronavirus.

Two things were very clear, the first was that there have been a number of clubs at all levels that have really stepped up and provided for their communities. The second, was that there is likely to be some lasting effects for clubs in terms of reduced funding and footfall.

On the positive side, it certainly felt that many football clubs at different levels had been at the forefront of community efforts to help and support people through the pandemic. This was a point recognised by the MSPs present at the meeting. It was reassuring to see football viewed in a wholly positive light.

However, there were also concerns raised about the financial implications for clubs. Income had disappeared overnight. There were concerns regarding participation levels once football returns. Will parents be able to afford to send their child to football? Will they have the confidence that the virus has been suppressed to enable the safe return?

Government support both financial and in terms of reassurance would be welcome.

With regards to first team football, we’ve just announced the signing of two new squad members, Tommy Muir and Creag Little. These are the first new additions to the squad for next season and join those players retained from last season.

It has been good to be focussed once again on matters away from COVID-19, albeit all contract negotiations must take into account a lot of pandemic related concerns. However, I’m pleased with the progress being made. I’m even more happy that the new structures and procedures that we have put in place over the past couple of years are guiding our team building.

Finally, I listened to the Government’s health advisors state that is very unlikely that there will be any fans in grounds before October at the earliest. It is quite likely that there will be limited numbers as well due to social distancing. I can assure supporters that we are planning for this scenario and looking at innovative ways where we can ensure that our games can be attended, be it in person or virtually to begin with if need be.

Work is already underway at Ochilview to bring the ground back to life after lockdown.

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