Councils invited to bid for multi-million centre

Residents of Glasgow could be set to see Scotland’s first National Performance Centre for Sport arrive on their doorstep.

The multi-sports centre, scheduled to be completed by 2016, is to receive up to £25 million funding from the Scottish Government’s Young Scots Fund and is set to include the country’s first National Football Academy.

A steering group led by Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan has been assembled to outline the criteria for bids from local authorities wanting to bring the centre to their area.

Councillor Philip Braat of Glasgow’s Anderston and City ward told The Journal: “Glasgow is already the home of Scottish Football with Hampden but the centre would cement Glasgow’s status as a sporting city and will contribute to the sporting excellence of Glaswegians and Scots alike.

“No matter where the centre is finally based, it should ensure that its focus is on all sport. Football is our national game, but we must do all we can to support all sporting opportunities.”

However, Barry McLelland, Partick Thistle Community Trust Director warned: “It’s all good and well having an amazing facility but it needs to be accessible to all in terms of affordability. In my opinion there is a real need for regeneration of existing facilities and new facilities.

“Gone are the days where kids will play on waste grounds, so for our nation to develop young sports people we need to provide a structured programme and provide high end facilities.”

More details on the next steps for the centre’s progress will be announced following the steering group’s first meeting which is set to take place later this month.

Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive, said: “The commitment to the NPC is a hugely significant step forward not just for Scottish football but Scottish sport and culture."