JUNIOR FOOTBALL: team is given a cash boost by airport bosses

Jul 21 2011 by Lynn Jolly, Paisley Daily Express

Douglas Airport

BOSSES at an amateur football club are on cloud nine after being handed a bumper grant by bosses at Glasgow Airport.

Thorn Athletic have netted £1,355 from the airport’s Flightpath Fund for community groups and will use the cash to buy new football equipment, including some much-needed goalposts.

The donation will also allow the Johnstone-based club to offer support to young people in the local area through sport.

As well as promoting sport in the community, the club – which has been established for over 10 years – is focused on developing motivation and self-esteem.

Club secretary Mark McGee said: “We are grateful to the airport for its contribution towards new football equipment. This will allow us to develop the club by bringing more facilities into use and getting more people involved in sport, coaching and volunteering.

“Without the support of the local business community, of which the airport forms a major part, we would not be able to increase participation levels and develop the skills of those within the community who want to play an active role.

“Everyone at the club is delighted by this support and the Flightpath Fund demonstrates perfectly the positive impact local companies can have on their surrounding communities.”

Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP Douglas Alexander, whose constituency takes in the Johnstone area, went along to the airport to welcome the donation...and polish up on his soccer skills at the same time.

Mr Alexander said: “It’s great news that the fund has awarded this grant to Thorn Athletic. The airport’s a big local employer and it’s good to see it showing its support for the Renfrewshire community.”

The Glasgow Airport Flightpath Fund helps community organisations and has three sources of finance – The BAA Communities Trust, Glasgow Airport Limited and charity boxes which are in place at the terminal building.

Davis Hunter, operations director at the airport, said: “As a local employer, we are fully committed to supporting projects in the community and are happy to offer our support to such a worthwhile cause.

“It is important to recognise that clubs such as Thorn Athletic can have a positive influence on the lives of young people.

“Not only can the club provide opportunities for enjoyment and achievement, it can also strengthen valuable life skills such as self-esteem, leadership and teamwork. I wish the club continued success.”

Our photo shows Douglas Alexander getting ready for a pass from Brian Robertson, of Thorn Athletic, as Glasgow Airport's operations director Davis Hunter looks on