Partick Thistle Football Club

Partick Thistle FC this morning welcomed Shona Robison, the Minister for Health and Sport, to Firhill Stadium for a presentation and discussion on the Clubs community programmes and ‘Kids for Free' initiative.

The visit came on the back of a presentation to the Scottish Parliament in April, and the following motion raised during debate on the 2014 Commonwealth Games Legacy - Partick Thistle Community Programme, Preparing for Glasgow 2014

The Minister (pictured right with Chairman Allan Cowan) toured Firhill Stadium and met representatives from local organisations such as the Glasgow Old People's Welfare Association (GOPWA) and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH). The Club works with them to engage with vulnerable and socially excluded people to improve their wellbeing, increase supporter numbers and provide a service to the local community.

Ms Robison has also been learning more about Partick Thistle's schemes, such as free admission to under 16s, to get young people involved in the game.

She said: "The valuable community programmes run by Partick Thistle are to be warmly welcomed. This is a fantastic example of a football club really working with the local community to make life better for the people who live there and I would encourage other clubs to follow this example, I know many do already.

"As we build up to the launch of our plans to build a legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games to benefit the whole of Scotland for generations to come, this kind of engagement is exactly the sort of activity that will build up interest in sport and physical activity as well as encouraging more people to adopt healthier lifestyles and to get involved in our national game."

Community Director, Kieron Dempsey, headed up the meeting and spoke highly of the partnerships that have been formed with SAMH and GOPWA:

"We realised that in order to do this with no funds we had to work in partnership with other parties picking up on their expertise and services. What we could give to them was our facilities and our own expertise in sport. Effectively we said "Here is a football stadium - how can we use it to benefit your client group?"

Stuart MacPhee, the clubs Marketing Manager, led discussion on ‘Kids for Free' and how it has created a strong base for further community programmes:

 "A number of clubs have shown interest not only in ‘Kids for Free' , but our wider model of community engagement and developing the match day experience at Firhill. With our partners, SAMH and GOPWA, we hope to create a model that can be exported to sports clubs around the country, especially as we approach the 2014 Commonwealth Games."

Gordon Carlisle, Chair of the Glasgow Old People's Welfare Association (GOPWA) said: "Older people can often feel vulnerable and isolated in their own communities. One of the most positive things about Partick Thistle's programmes is the way in which the elderly can mix with young people and both groups feel the benefits. It helps their self esteem and enhances the lives of everyone involved.

"Our members have been given a very warm welcome at the games and this is being extended so that older people can use the facilities at the club for a range of community activities."

www.ptfc.co.uk also caught up with Thistle Commercial Director, David Beattie:

"We would like to thank the Sports Minister for sho wing an interest in our vision for Partick Thistle Football Club, and indeed the wider community. After a very informative meeting we look forward to progressing this vision."