EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS
BILL LOTHIAN
CURRIE rugby club today issued a "show us the money" plea in reacting vigorously to calls for the game to be expanded by 2012.

While welcoming the SRU's vision contained in a recently published five-year plan, an editorial on the club's official website makes clear that such schemes are unworkable without substantial injections of cash. Most of this would have to come from central and local government who sell grass-roots sport short, it is argued.

A Currie spokesperson said: "Most Scottish rugby enthusiasts would wholeheartedly agree with the SRU Strategic Plan.

"However, to increase, develop and expand will require resources – be they additional voluntary time, already generously given by a handful of stalwarts, or the extra facilities and finance that such expansion will inevitably require.

"At present, the (Currie) club's two pitches and floodlit training area are used almost every day of the week – and by Balerno High School. All of these grassed areas are in need of a full-time groundsman, which we do not have.

"It is not only Currie and Balerno High who have to cope with over-used, deteriorating playing surfaces; it is most of the grassed sports areas under the management and control of our politicians and the Local Authority.

"Millions are being spent to bring the Commonwealth Games to Scotland but try to get any money for your local sports club and you may as well shout into the wind that blows the message away.

"Once the SRU had money to disburse but we know about their financial plight and much-needed cash to help clubs develop has disappeared."

On local authority contributions, Currie say: "The upkeep of many parks is a joke compared to the grounds care and facilities provided by private Edinburgh schools.

"Have you seen the 'new' Meggetland pitch? It has more bare ground than grass.

"They spend thousands on buildings but forget the playing area."

On central government, Currie maintain not enough is being done, saying: "The Executive is concerned about obesity.

"Every week, Currie have 300 boys and girls using stretched facilities.

"We and many others are providing a social service.

"Unless clubs and schools are given financial encouragement they will not attract additional members."

This article was posted on 4-Jan-2008, 08:37 by Hugh Barrow.