Giffnock Soccer Centre and Schroders set up partnership to benefit community sport

Back (left to right): Jim Docherty, Chair GSC; Graeme Kidd, Personal Wealth Advisor, Schroders; Mark Thornton, Treasurer GSC
Front (left to right): Sammy Butler and Muhammed-Ishaq Shafqet — Back (left to right): Jim Docherty, Chair GSC; Graeme Kidd, Personal Wealth Advisor, Schroders; Mark Thornton, Treasurer GSC Front (left to right): Sammy Butler and Muhammed-Ishaq Shafqet

The partnership will focus on the collective impact of physical, mental and financial wellbeing and the importance of these areas as part of overall wellness.

SPW provides personal financial advice and was established in 2019 as a joint venture between Lloyds Banking Group (which includes Bank of Scotland) and Schroders Plc.

A local team of forty colleagues is led by SPW Regional Director, Donald Gateley and operates across the length and breadth of Scotland.

As Scotland’s largest community football club with over 1,000 young members, Giffnock Soccer Centre offers football for boys and girls of all ages.

Driven by the ethos ‘Football for All’ the club is currently campaigning for the introduction of Summer football to ensure its young members enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of team sport as the country emerges from lockdown.

With playing bases in Glasgow South and East Renfrewshire the club has a strong track record of working at the heart of the communities it serves.

The SPW team have been working with committee members, George Boyle and Fergus Reid, in the creation of the partnership and are very much looking forward to further developing the relationship.

Donald Gateley, Regional Director at SPW, said: “We are proud to support Giffnock Soccer Centre and be part of their growth journey. Sport plays a fundamental part in our overall well-being, something that has always been important but is becoming increasingly so as the country recovers from the challenges of the last 12 months.

Supporting our local communities is at the heart of what we do as a business, whether it’s through the advice we give to our clients or through our involvement with local teams and charities. We believe that we have a vital part to play in this and are honoured to have the opportunity to work with the team at Giffnock Soccer Centre.”

“Supporting Giffnock Soccer Centre through 2021 is a privilege especially during these difficult times for players, families and the wider community. We are very excited about being part of their on-going success and the journey that will have such a positive impact for so many young people and their families.

Sport plays such an important part in our overall well-being. Supporting our local communities is at the heart of what we do as a business, whether it is through the advice we give to our clients or through our involvement with local teams and charities. We believe that we have a vital part to play in this and are honoured to have the opportunity to work with Giffnock Soccer Centre.”

Jim Docherty, chairperson of Giffnock Soccer Centre, said: “We really value the support of Schroders. Now more than ever we need business in Scotland to support community sport. Key members of the Schroders team live within a good kick of our pitches. They understand the club and what we are working to achieve in the community. We have big plans for Giffnock Soccer Centre to reach more and more young people through football. Working with Schroders will be a key element of that journey.