The East Kilbride Community Trust (EKCT) has secured a significant funding boost of nearly £75,000 from SP Energy Networks' Transmission Net Zero Fund to implement energy-efficient improvements at its K-Park Training Academy.

The funding will be used to install solar panels at the academy, resulting in an estimated annual saving of £6,000. This financial gain will be reinvested into the East Kilbride community through the various services offered by EKCT to vulnerable residents.

EKCT's recent partnership with the newly formed East Kilbride Integration Network has led to the creation of a new refugee football initiative, providing safe and inclusive sporting facilities for the community's newest members.

The K-Park Training Academy, a central hub for the community, is owned and maintained by EKCT and serves as home to several local sporting teams, including East Kilbride Football Club's U12s Girls team.

To commemorate the funding, EKCT hosted professional footballer Lee Gibson, goalkeeper for Glasgow City and the Scotland Women's national team. A local native, Gibson began her professional career in East Kilbride and returned to her roots to conduct a training session with the U12s team at K-Park. During her visit, Gibson inspired the young players with her journey from East Kilbride to the national team.

Commenting on her visit, Lee said: "It was amazing to have the opportunity to come down to K-Park Training Academy and meet the U12's girls team. It's incredible to see young athletes not only passionate about football, but also take an interest in sustainability and the action we all need to take to protect their futures.

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"It's obvious that the installation of solar panels, made possible by the Net Zero Fund, is a huge milestone for the Trust and will help them continue to nurture and support East Kilbride's future football talent."

While at the training ground, Lee was also able to learn more from the EKCT team about the importance of the facility from its regular users, as well as the positive impact the energy efficient renovations are set to have.

Speaking on the impact of the funding, Scot Dow, Site Manager for East Kilbride Community Trust, said: "We are incredibly grateful to SP Energy Networks and its Net Zero Fund for their generous support. This funding will not only allow us to install solar panels at our facility and make significant reductions to our carbon footprint, we'll also be able to involve our young players in conversations around climate change and take them on the journey with us.

"The annual savings generated from making these upgrades will make a huge difference. By investing now, we're able to futureproof the training grounds and continue to open up access to sporting opportunities for generations to come."

Lynda Ward, SP Energy Networks Transformation Director, added: "Visiting the training grounds at K-Park and meeting some of the budding sporting talent that make use of the facilities has been inspiring. It really brings home the importance of supporting the next generation in conversations about net zero as ultimately, they are the ones who will benefit from the changes we are making today.

"Spaces like this are at the heart of communities within the areas we operate in, so it's crucial that they are supported in making their sustainability plans a reality."

A host of charities and organisations supporting vulnerable communities across Scotland have received tailored capacity building support and been awarded funding from SP Energy Networks' Transmission Net Zero Fund to support their transition to low-carbon energy solutions and ensure no one is left behind when it comes to net zero.

The successful groups are receiving grants to help them decarbonise and reach their net zero targets sooner, with projects ranging from the installation of low carbon technology to electrifying transport and retrofitting listed buildings to increase energy efficiency.

SP Energy Networks owns and operates the electricity transmission and distribution network in Central and Southern Scotland, delivering power to more than two million homes and businesses. The Net Zero Fund has been established through SP Transmission, a subsidiary of SP Energy Networks, responsible for transmitting high-voltage electricity from power stations and windfarms to the low-voltage network across Central and Southern Scotland.