Behind the Goals with Austin MacPhee of AMS

We made the trip to AMS, a charitable organisation which uses football as a means to support education, employability and sports development in Fife. An SFA Legacy Mark club, it was set up by Austin MacPhee, who is also assistant manager for Hearts and Northern Ireland.

A fascinating character, Austin filled us in about his career as a player and about the experiences which inspired him to set up AMS, and his perspectives on the game.

Supporters Direct Scotland are proud to support AMS through their Club Development Scotland unit, where they offer ongoing support in the areas of development, governance and finance. Want to find out how we can help support your club? Get in touch.

July 25, 2018March 6, 2019 by andrewjenkin Tags: advice, am soccer club, ams, austin macphee, club development, club development scotland, cupar, fife, football club, guidance, hearts, sport clubs, support Leave a comment

Facility Development Guidance

When we talk about facility development this describes everything from building a new stadium to adding or upgrading existing facilities to a stadium, clubhouse or training area.

In the most extreme examples, facility development is required because a club has lost their ground and is having to play matches on a ground rented from another club, often many miles from their home town and supporter base.

Clubs with their own grounds and training pitches may wish to upgrade existing facilities or add something new like a stand or a 3G pitch.

Facility Development is important for a number of reasons:

• For those clubs “exiled” from their home town it means their supporters have easier access to home games and the club can play a role within the local
community.

• Improving the facilities offered to supporters. For example, the provision of additional seating, facilities for disabled supporters, covered areas or improved toilet facilities enhance the match day experience.

• Developing the clubhouse and other spaces for non match day revenue can provide additional finance streams to clubs improving their financial viability.

• Installing 3G pitches, at a stadium or training area, enables wider community use and generates additional revenue.

Read our guidance here.

January 8, 2018March 6, 2019 by andrewjenkin Tags: advice, facilities guidance, facility, facility development, sport clubs, support Leave a comment