Ratho Athletic: Building for the Future with Exciting Plans Ahead
- Ryan Neilson
- Jan 5
- 4 min read
Ratho Athletic: Building for the Future with Exciting Plans Ahead
The Ratho Athletic committee met today at the fantastic facilities of our sponsor, Lost Shore Surf Resort, to discuss several important matters concerning the club’s future. This meeting was not only an opportunity to review recent challenges but also to look ahead and outline plans to continue building a thriving, inclusive, and ambitious club.
Pitch Restoration: Turning a Setback Into Progress
One of the main topics on the agenda was, of course, the recent vandalism of our home pitch. The damage caused was disheartening, but the incredible response from our community has been nothing short of inspirational. Thanks to your generosity, we have raised an unbelievable £4,450 through our GoFundMe campaign. This remarkable figure reflects the dedication and support of our fans, players, and the wider community.
We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, offered their expertise, or simply showed their solidarity during this difficult time.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to the Daily Record, Edinburgh Evening News, Edinburgh Live, and Forth One for their efforts in raising awareness and sharing our story. Their support in highlighting the vandalism and the impact it had on the club was instrumental in bringing attention to our fundraiser and rallying the community behind us.
Following the success of the fundraiser, we are now working on a detailed plan to repair the pitch. While we had hoped to begin the work sooner, we’ve decided to schedule it for March to ensure the grass has the best possible chance to grow during favourable weather conditions. This careful timing will allow the pitch to recover fully without the risk of further damage.
In addition, security and protective measures were a key part of the discussion. With several companies kindly stepping forward to offer their services, we’re hopeful that improvements to the pitch’s security can begin in the coming weeks. These measures will help to safeguard the pitch for the future, ensuring it remains a space where our teams and the community can come together to enjoy football.
A Roadmap for Growth and Ambition
The committee also spent time reviewing our long-term roadmap for the club. While the details are still being finalised, we’re excited to report that the future of Ratho Athletic looks incredibly promising. Plans for new initiatives, improvements to club facilities, and strengthening our presence within the community are all being worked on behind the scenes.
As part of this growth, we’re eager to welcome more sponsors who share our vision for the future. Sponsorship plays a vital role in supporting the club’s ambitions, and we’d love to hear from companies interested in joining us on this journey. If your business would like to get involved, please complete the contact form on our website.
Upcoming Race Night: A Fun Community Event
We’re delighted to announce that plans are underway for an exciting Race Night, scheduled for the end of February. This event promises to be a fantastic evening of entertainment for the whole community, bringing people together to have fun while supporting the club.
The Race Night will feature all the thrills of virtual horse racing, with opportunities to place small bets, sponsor races, and win prizes. It’s a great way to enjoy some friendly competition, socialise with fellow supporters, and raise funds for the club’s ongoing initiatives.
More details, including the venue, ticket information, and how you can get involved, will be shared soon. We hope to see as many of you there as possible for what we’re sure will be a memorable night.
Volunteers Wanted: Join the Team Behind the Team
To achieve our ambitious goals, we need the support of passionate and committed volunteers. Whether it’s helping with the day-to-day running of the club or assisting with specific projects, your contribution can make a real difference. If you’d like to get involved, please reach out via the contact form on our website or connect with us through social media.
Exciting Plans for an Over-35s Team
Another exciting development discussed was the introduction of an Over-35s team. This team would compete in the LEAFA (Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur Football Association) divisions, providing a competitive yet enjoyable platform for older players to continue playing football. We believe this initiative will not only enhance the club’s presence in local football but also foster community spirit by offering more opportunities for people to stay active and involved in the game.
We see the Over-35s team as a fantastic addition to our club, giving players a chance to showcase their skills while representing Ratho Athletic in a well-respected league. If this is something you or someone you know would be interested in, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our website or social media channels.
A New Walking Football Group
In addition to the Over-35s team, we’re also looking to establish a walking football group. This initiative is designed to be inclusive and community-focused, offering an opportunity for older individuals or those less able to participate in traditional football to stay active, social, and engaged. Walking football is growing in popularity across the UK, and we’re excited to bring this format to Ratho to provide another way for people to connect and stay healthy.
Thank You to Our Supporters
Finally, we want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported Ratho Athletic. Whether you’ve cheered us on from the sidelines, contributed to our fundraising efforts, or helped us behind the scenes, you are an essential part of what makes this club so special.
We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together so far and are excited about the journey ahead. There’s so much to look forward to, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
- Ratho Athletic Committee
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