A football tournament is to be held in Leven to celebrate the £116 million Levenmouth rail link project now being 50 days away from completion.
Once the rail link goes live on June 2, it will signal the return of rail travel to Levenmouth for the first time in over half a century.
To mark the works nearing completion, Scotland’s Railway has teamed up with East Fife Community Football Club to launch the Levenmouth Football Tournament for individuals born between 2009 and 2011.
Teams will be created on the day, with there being two separate tournaments for boys and girls if numbers permit – if not, it will be mixed. The tournament will take place at East Fife Football Club’s MGM Timber Bayview Stadium in Leven on Monday 6 May between 1-3pm.
Trophies on the day will be provided for the overall winners and those taking part will also receive a commemorative medal.
Fiona Hyslop, cabinet secretary for transport, said, “Our key aim in opening the Levenmouth rail link is to build social, economic, and education opportunities for the local community. With any new rail project comes the need to build awareness of safety in and around the railway. Using sporting events such as this to celebrate the opening is a great form of partnership working that delivers opportunities for young people to hear this type of message while enjoying themselves in a healthy, competitive way.”
Joe Mulvenna, Network Rail’s project manager for the Levenmouth Rail Link project, added, “Having this sports event in the lead up to the opening of the Levenmouth Rail link means we can engage with members of the local community to further raise awareness among young people of the importance of rail safety while providing a sports programme that encourages physical activity, health and well-being.
“We would like to thank East Fife Community Football Club for partnering with us on this unique event.”
Antony McMinn, Head of Performance and Development for East Fife Community Football Club, added, “East Fife Community Football Club are delighted to support this inclusive tournament at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium and to continue our partnership working with Scotland’s Railway.
“As the community gears up for the exciting opening of the new railway and looks forward to the opportunities this will create for people in our area we have been working together to spread rail safety messages throughout our club and our social media platforms.
“We thank Scotland’s Railway for their support of our organisation and look forward to an enjoyable day on 6 May.”
For anyone interested in taking part in the football tournament, please email enquiries@efcfc.co.uk for more information and to register your interest.
