City Building apprentices pitch in to help Easterhouse Football Academy

APPRENTICES from Glasgow-based City Building have renovated FAREPlay Stepford interiors, the home of Easterhouse Football Academy.

The academy has more than 400 registered players and offers a pathway into the sport for boys and girls aged four upwards.

The apprentice painter and decorators from City Building repainted key areas of the facility, including the changing rooms, bathrooms, internal corridors, reception, and communal areas. The work is said to have created a ‘fresh and welcoming’ environment for players and staff alike and ensures children of all backgrounds can enjoy football in a setting that fosters inclusion and positivity.

The initiative was delivered as part of City Building’s community benefits and engagement programme, which encourages apprentices to contribute local initiatives while gaining experience in managing their own projects.

It was also supported by City Building supplier, GAP, which donated materials.

Frank McCafferty, interim CEO, City Building, said, “We are incredibly proud of our apprentices for their outstanding work at FAREPlay Stepford. They carried out the renovation with minimal supervision, growing their trades skills and learning more about customer service at the same time.

“This project demonstrates the unique social ethos behind City Building and our dedication to delivering transformational services that improve lives and create opportunity for our customers, colleagues and communities.”

Easterhouse Football Academy is based at FAREplay Stepford, formerly Stepford Sports Park, in the east end, which has been operated by Easterhouse social enterprise FARE Scotland since 2023. The charity took over the sport and leisure centre as part of its aim of enabling everyone to pursue an active lifestyle, regardless of age, circumstance and ability.

Karen Galbraith, governance and operations manager, FARE Scotland, added, “We are grateful to City Building and GAP for their support. The work carried out by the apprentices has revitalised and transformed the FAREPlay Stepford. As we continue to grow and welcome new players, this timely project ensures that our facility is a space where every child feels welcomed and valued.”