7 hours ago
NAIRN County FC struck a deal last night for the 50/50 Club to become the new primary backers of the under-20s team. The deal was agreed in principle following the fans gathering at the British Legion and was firmed up this morning. Interim club chairman, Donald Matheson said: "It is another day and another step in the right direction for Nairn County." "As Gillian McWilliam explained at Tuesday's EGM, the club's under-15s and under-17s were entirely self-sufficient last season as they receive grant funding due to having the requisite number of coaches with the mandatory qualifications. However, the under-20s are not eligible for any grants, so therefore it has been left to the club to pick up the tab for the running costs of this team." "This was obviously a concern giving recent developments but now we have been able to put that one to bed thanks to the generosity of the trustees of the 50/50 Club." "I am delighted with that and I would like to thank the 50/50 Club and everyone who contributes to it for their kindness and support." "It now means that we can retain our high-calibre under-20s coaching team of Ali Munro, Ronnie Sharp and Stephen Grant – who give up their time for free throughout the season – and I know they are working hard to put plans in place to begin their pre-season preparations in a couple of weeks." "Given the new direction the club is taking, the under-20s are going to be vital to the development of our own players and I know the players in the squad really enjoyed and benefited from their successful, maiden campaign in the North of Scotland League over the last season." "We also have the option of entering the under-20s into the cup competitions of the North Caledonian League and that is something we are actively looking into." He added: "I also received an offer yesterday from Tradeway to provide the tape for the players' socks free of the charge for the whole of next season, which we are delighted to have accepted." "That might be seen as something minor in the grand scheme of things but it is something that needs dealt with and it is still a saving the club will make over the whole of the season." "I would like to thank Gordon and the team at Tradeway for this very kind offer and it is great that another local business is showing their support for Nairn County." Forms to join the 50/50 Club can be downloaded from https://www.nairncountyfc.co.uk/ and are available by contacting this page or emailing info@nairncountyfc.co.uk. Tradeway is located at 8b Leopold Street and has been serving Nairn for more than 30 years. They are open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Saturday and can be contacted on 01667 456559. Their web address is: https://www.facebook.com/Tradeway-1414805658750273/?fref=ts Graeme Macleod
