Scottish international football legend, Denis Law, is to perform the official opening of the new, all weather, covered, sports arena at Back Football and Recreation Club on lewis.
The ceremony is to take place at the Upper Coll Centre, on Friday 20 May.
The opening of the Back Sports Arena kicks off another chapter in the history and ongoing development of Back Football and Recreation Club in that it adds yet another facility to the array of resources available at the Upper Coll Centre location.
The project was made possible with funding from Sportscotland, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, LEADER, Big Lottery Fund and HIE, to all of whom, the club is hugely indebted.
Back sports arena official opening
10 April 2016
Several years ago, the club committee had a vision of creating a covered all weather sports facility to combat the ravages of the Lewis climate. They knew it was an ambitious aspiration, but were determined to bring it to fruition.
The organisation undertook considerable research, with several site visits to see similar projects undertaken. Design options were examined and a steel framed fabric cladded building proved to be the most flexible, versatile and economical solution. They then doggedly pursued funding avenues, and eventually succeeded in bringing the project from the realms of hope and aspiration to reality.
The committee, along with other members of the community, has put in a power of work over the years, to accomplish this latest achievement. Whilst there have been many invaluable contributions, special mention must be made of the efforts and commitment of Calum Iain Graham, a longstanding stalwart of the club, whose single minded dedication, determination, and drive, has been a major factor in creating the hugely impressive facility which now exists.
The development was coordinated by James Macarthur who commented: “We are immensely proud of what has been achieved here at Back Football and Recreation Club. This latest addition to an already impressive facility is unrivalled for a club of our size, and we look forward to seeing it used extensively.
"We are very fortunate to have many committed individuals helping the youth in our area on a voluntary basis. This facility will be the catalyst to providing the wherewithal to assist us to do even more to keep them interested, and participating in sport for life.”
The local community are cordially invited to attend the special occasion, with a special invitation being extended to all those who have had a connection with the club in any capacity in the past.