Football group abandons South Lanarkshire sessions due to 'high prices and low quality'
Kick Mental Health has had to halt its only remaining sessions in South Lanarkshire
Last updated 7th Jun 2024
Sports groups are telling Clyde 1 News that there is a stark difference between the cost of hiring a football pitch in South Lanarkshire, compared to West Lothian.
Kick Mental Health, a football club offering free sessions and wellbeing support, has had to pull out of Forth's local sports centre after the price increased by around a third.
The group, which was founded in Lanark, has now been forced to abandon its sessions in the region due to high costs.
Kick Mental Health aims to empower individuals in their mental health journey by "fostering a sense of unity through football."
It offers free in-person football and online sessions for people to access support.
'It's like walking on concrete'
Founder Ally Bingham also said there is a quality issue with the Willie Waddell Sports Centre - highlighting that the standard of the pitch does not match the higher price bracket.
He said: "We pay half the amount for the same size of park in West Lothian compared to South Lanarkshire.
"That could be down to a higher number of private lets in West Lothian, and more council-operated lets in South Lanarkshire, but there really is a huge difference in price.
"We started in Lanark, but in South Lanarkshire we've found ourselves jumping around complexes to try and keep the costs down.
"We're not the only ones that are struggling with the pricing - South Lanarkshire seems to be quite bad.
"We do have a good relationship with South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture who have been really helpful to try and offer solutions and alternatives.
"However, it doesn't come down to money in the end, it's about the safety of people who come along.
"The pitch in Forth was laid a long time ago, and it has just worn away to the point where it's like walking on concrete or a sand pitch.
"The price we're paying out for it - it isn't adequate for what we're trying to do."
Multiple injuries
Ally added that people who have come to the South Lanarkshire sessions are getting injured, including ligament damage, after playing on the pitch, and safety is his priority.
He said: "It's been a hard decision to call it off, but it's putting people off when they're getting hurt and they're not coming back."
Locals commented: "I don't blame you for moving, as the cage is dangerous.
"I don't think there is any chance of it being sorted as there is more of a chance that the whole place will close due to cutbacks.
Another said: "It would be so sad to lose this from the village."
'Positive discussions'
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, said: “Unfortunately no-one from the group contacted SLLC directly to raise these concerns or intentions.
"However, we are now in touch and positive discussions are ongoing.”