AN Ayrshire football club has had its pitch renovated as part of a campaign to improve underfunded grassroots facilities.
Dalmellington's Craigmark Burntonians FC has seen its playing field transformed after being identified by Specsavers’ Best Worst Pitch initiative as one of 50 clubs in most need of support.
The club has now received professional line-marking equipment, GPS pitch mapping technology and expert maintenance training to make their playing facilities visible once again.
Craigmark Burntonians FC, a volunteer ran club which currently plays games at Station Park, impressed Specsavers with its unwavering commitment and community spirit, despite facing significant challenges in maintaining pitch quality.
As a result, the club has now benefitted from the campaign which aims to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing grassroots football in the UK – poor pitch conditions.
Connor Paterson, co-secretary of Craigmark Burntonians FC, expressed his delight at the news, stating : "This is absolutely massive for our club. We've been working tirelessly to provide the best possible experience for our players, but maintaining quality pitch markings across our sites has been an ongoing struggle, especially with old equipment and a slanted playing field.
"To be selected as one of 50 clubs from across the entire UK is testament to the dedication of our volunteers who turn up week after week, rain or shine, to keep our pitches playable.
"This equipment has made a transformational difference to our club and the footballers we serve."
The improved pitch markings will aim to provide a significant boost to match-day experiences for players, coaches, and officials alike.
The Best Worst Pitch initiative was launched by Specsavers in partnership with Manchester United and England legend Gary Neville, building on the brand's long-standing commitment to grassroots football through its Best Worst Team campaign.
Neil Liddle, brand partnerships and sponsorships lead at Specsavers added: "Since we have been supporting clubs that need a bit of help with their eyes and ears, as well as their game, we've noticed the effort that goes into keeping grassroots clubs running.
"Clubs like Craigmark Burntonians, who quietly put in the hard work behind the scenes to keep pitches playable despite not having a permanent home, embody what grassroots football is all about."
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