Fuel for Fans: Westside F.C. launches snack cabin to support club and community thanks to CIF funding

Westside F.C received a £2,500 award from the Community Investment Fund towards the purchase and installation of a new snack cabin at its grounds in Barvas.

A new 20-24ft anti-vandal insulated cabin, with an informal seating area inside, has been installed, to serve the Club, its supporters, visiting supporters and the public for the longer term. It will also contribute towards income generation and the overall sustainability of the Club, as well as providing a safe and warm shelter, refreshments and an outlet for locals to sell their homemade fares.

A representative from Westside F.C commented: "In more recent seasons, we have seen an increase in the number of younger supporters attend matches, and there has never been a more important time to encourage children away from screens, mobile devices, etc and encourage them to participate in physical exercise - even watching is a start! What naturally flows from their attendance is the informal kick-abouts or tag games that take place around the pitch and hopefully an interest in the Club's more structured events through the Development School will follow. Even if someone doesn't want to participate in football, it is important to encourage such social interaction, meeting with peers, etc. and provide amenities that support this.

"Many of our regular supporters are in their 70s, 80s and even 90s and their attendance may be the main form of social interaction they experience and can be the highlight of their week, regardless of score-line! For some spectators, the provision of a safe space in terms of shelter and a hot drink can be the determining factor in whether they attend a match, particularly during poor weather. Meeting old friends from other parts of the island and the social interaction that follows is such an important aspect of our culture and the provision of an amenity such as the snack cabin supports this."

Heather Macleod, Development Officer, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, added: "Westside F.C has gone from strength to strength over the years. It is a club which many players aspire to play for, is very well supported by the community and they do a great job of ensuring they provide opportunities for all age groups. The provision of this new facility is very much in line with UOG's priorities of care and wellbeing, and exceptional place, and we are delighted to be able to support the new cabin."

Westside F.C, an amateur football club representing the Westside of Lewis, was founded in 1933. The Club is formally constituted as Westside Football & Recreation Club and organises football coaching and participation in competitive football across all ages from early school age through to senior football.

The Club also received funding from NHS WI and Horshader Community Development towards the purchase and installation of the cabin.

To find out more about our Community Investment Fund please click here, or get in touch with the team.