By Democrat reporter
Scottish Government Ministers should consider launching an emergency fund to help grassroots football survive the pandemic, Jackie Baillie, the MSP for Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Vale of Leven, where football was born in the 1880s, has said.
Scotland’s national game, which includes Dumbarton FC and Vale of Leven Juniors, faces grave danger unless financial support is made available.
Jackie Baillie’s call came as ongoing restrictions mean that crowds are set to be kept away from football stadiums for many more months to come.
West Dunbartonshire has a long connection with the beautiful game and was known as “the cradle of Scottish football”.
Renton FC are said to have won the World Cup and Dumbarton and Vale of Leven both won Scottish League Championship titles. Helensburgh too were a prominent and successful team at that time.
Rangers were founded on Garelochside and Celtic had strong ties with Renton and Dumbarton.
The loss of matchday revenue could prove devastating for smaller clubs and grassroots football may suffer, or even disappear altogether, as a result.
Unless Scottish Government Ministers agree a system of financial support to mitigate the loss of matchday income caused by the absence of crowds, Scotland’s national game could be damaged.
A new ‘Scottish Football Aid’ fund could help small clubs stay afloat.
Jackie Baillie MSP is also calling for fans to have representation on club boards to ensure the cash goes into the grassroots game, a good example of which already exists at Dumbarton FC.
Recently Dumbarton FC launched an online lottery as a way for fans to help support the club and raise vital funds during the pandemic.
People can participate in the lottery for as little as £1 and Jackie Baillie MSP is encouraging local people to support the club.
Jackie Baillie, pictured left, said: “The absence of crowds is a devastating blow to the incomes and even survival hopes of many clubs, the length and breadth of Scotland.
“Losing the all-important ticket money, matchday programme sales and income from pre-match and half-time refreshments, will continue to bite in the weeks and months ahead.
“There’s a particularly grave danger for smaller clubs, which are reliant on these vital matchday income streams from crowds of supporters for their very survival.
“Not only are many of these clubs historically the lifeblood of Scottish football in terms of producing some of the nation’s greatest ever players, they are also a vital part of the social fabric of our communities.
“Football clubs play a leading role in running food banks for those in need, promoting the game in deprived communities, as well as countless charity work. Yet, much of this vital work could be in peril due to the Covid pandemic.
The World Cup – and the Renton team that won it back in the old days.
“I welcome the initiative from Dumbarton FC on introducing their online lottery, it’s a great idea that allows fans to contribute vital funds for the club while also rewarding them for their contributions. In these difficult times this initiative will help to keep the local football club going. I encourage local people to sign up and help support the club.
“However the clubs should not be just left to fend for themselves and I hope that the Scottish Government will support a Scottish Football Aid fund to help support clubs as restrictions continue. “