OPERATORS of the Fleet Grounds in Rosyth are on the lookout for new volunteers as they look to move towards it becoming a “fully operational facility”.

The South West Fife Community Sports Partnership (SWFSP) leases and runs the site, which currently consists of a full-sized, 3G, floodlit artificial football pitch – installed in 2017 – and pavilion, from Fife Council.

Six years ago, the Fleet Grounds were sold by the Ministry of Defence to the council for £133,000, and the partnership was created with a view to leasing the land and turning it into a multi-sport facility as part of a three-phase development.

SWFSP agreed a 66-year lease and plans also included the creation of three full-size grass pitches, a seven-a-side pitch and, eventually, an indoor facility.

They are now seeking fresh volunteers to help them realise their ambitions, and stated: “Progress is being made towards the development of an adjacent full sized grass pitch which the partnership expects to be operational in the near future.

"In the medium-term the partnership has aspirations to expand its facilities, making use of further available land which it currently leases from Fife Council.

“During this exciting time, as the partnership grows and moves from its initial ‘soft opening’ towards a fully operational facility, there is a need for additional local volunteers to step-up to support this valuable local asset.

“The partnership is seeking new volunteers to assist with the opening, closing and maintenance of the facility, as well as board members who can commit some time to assist with the management of the site and operation.

“For board appointments, the partnership is particularly keen to hear from those with a health and safety / risk management background, as well those with general business experience.

"Having a background in football is not a prerequisite and the partnership is keen to hear from those with a variety of skills and talents which can be put to a good cause.”

In 2016, Rosyth Football Club’s Recreation Park home, on Admiralty Road, was sold by Fife Council for a supermarket development, and they – along with Dunfermline Athletic Ladies and Girls – have been using the Fleet Grounds for matches.

Part of the deal to sell Recreation Park – on which Lidl want to open a store, creating 40 jobs – was that a new grass pitch and facilities, including changing rooms, fencing and parking, was to be provided for Rosyth at the Fleet Grounds, but that is yet to happen.

In February, the developer, MacTaggart and Mickel, applied for this condition within the planning application – which was granted in 2018 – to be removed, arguing that they shouldn’t have to deliver a replacement pitch as the club was already playing on the astroturf surface at the Fleet Grounds.

Anyone interested should email info@fleetgrounds.org.