Securing a Long-term Home for Edinburgh South FC and Recognising the Important Role of Grassroots Football

That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the significant contribution that Edinburgh South FC (ESFC) Inch Park Community Sports Club makes to grassroots sport and community participation across the Edinburgh Southern constituency; notes that the ESFC is one of the largest community football organisations in the country, with over 1,000 players across 75 teams, and supported by more than 200 volunteers; understands that the area of Inch Park, which is known locally as the "nursery site" has been identified as the preferred location for a new all-weather pitch and new changing facilities to support year-round participation and reduce cancellations; acknowledges that ESFC’s plans have received support from the SFA; notes calls encouraging more local authorities and leisure centres to work alongside football clubs to secure sustainable long-term homes for clubs; believes that good access to high-quality and affordable football facilities is essential to supporting participation, improving health and wellbeing and offering opportunities for young people in communities across Scotland, and recognises what it sees as the important role that grassroots football clubs play nationwide in fostering inclusion, developing talent and strengthening communities.