A FOOTBALL club in Giffnock is undergoing a £1.6 million upgrade to become the best community football facility in Scotland.

Two new 3G Astro pitches are being constructed at GSC Auldhouse, home of Giffnock Soccer Centre (GSC) on Thornliebank Rd, as part of an expansion plan.

Essential works such as ducts, drainage, and kerbing have already been completed.

Funds amounting to £1.6 million have been raised among the social investment community and internal club funds to enable the development of the facility which currently has four grass pitches, a pavilion, and community space that serves 1,400 players.

The project is expected to conclude by late summer.

(Image: Stakeholder Communications)

The pitch build has been complemented by the establishment of a new charity, GSC Auldhouse, created to serve local communities and promote social inclusion through grassroots football.

Jim Docherty, chairperson of GSC, said: “It’s an amazing and emotional moment to see the progress on the new pitches.

“A new committee formed three and a half years ago and we were determined to build on the amazing work of previous volunteers.

“Great facilities and ‘football for all’ is at the heart of what Giffnock Soccer Centre stands for. The move to GSC Auldhouse eighteen months ago has provided us an amazing home which opens its doors to everybody who wants to enjoy football.

“It’s been hard work delivering the project but once complete the club will have a playing estate of four grass pitches and three 3G Astros, including one at Eastwood Park.

“Our players range from the age of three to eighty-three and are the heartbeat of our club as are the 250 volunteers who work with them.

“The new GSC Foundation will help us open the facility to the wider community. Community football changes lives and we look forward to our facility helping in this mission.”