League 2 side East Stirlingshire are set to enter a new Galaxy although it is not one that is too far away from their roots. The Shire left their Firs Park home of 87 years back in 2008 to lodge with Stenhousemuir however ambitious plans have been drawn up for a partnership with LK Galaxy Sports that would see a new home spring up at Little Kerse in Grangemouth.
Plans and discussions have started with the council and other interested parties and a club that once had only two signed players and a bag of balls to their name just a few years ago is determined to have a much more tangible future.
The Shire already have their own dedicated training area at the ground and out of that relationship a strategy has been drawn up by Shire Chairman Tony Ford and Stephen Barr, Managing Director of LK Galaxy Sports to have much more than that.
Barr said: “The site is a 32 and a half acre ground owned by LK Galaxy Sports which can house a variety of sports with football being the one that is played predominately. As well as grass pitches it has a full size 4G pitch that can be split into 3 pitches for short sided games.”
“We also have 4 smaller pods that host 5 or 6 a side games. There is a vibrant Sports café, changing facilities, a physiotherapist suite and a social and event space.”
“Some people will remember it as it used to be the site of the BP Social Club that shut a long time ago probably 10 to 12 years.”
The Shire originate from the Bainsford area of Falkirk and after years of being unable to identify with a particular location they are aiming to move back close to their roots from their rented Larbert home.
Barr is looking to facilitate that as he explained: “We want to create a 1,000 seater stadium at the ground which will be owned by LK Galaxy Sports but leased on a long term basis by the Shire. We have drawn up plans that have received a warm reception and we are now exploring ways that we can deliver the Stadium.”
“LK Galaxy Sports are a Limited Company and it is difficult for it to generate the funding on its own, so hence why we are working with lots of people to make it happen. We would love to speak to private individuals or others who would like to be involved.”
“We are also looking into what funding is available for creating the ground in partnership with East Stirling, junior clubs and other clubs as well as leagues that would use the facility. The site can be used by lots of people and all these people want it to be built.”
It is not just a pipe dream either with Barr saying: “We have planning permission for the first phase which sees a new pavilion being built and a new artificial pitch being put down. Once we have that putting in temporary stands and using them with the new pavilion gives us some very exciting possibilities for hosting games.”
The League 2 club get more than excitement with Barr saying: “For the Shire they get a home after years of not having one. They get the chance to put down roots as the shortest any lease would be for is 25 years. If the Shire have physical roots they get the full benefit of the youth programmes and the infrastructure that the new stadium would deliver.”
“Ochilview has been a good home for them and I am sure it will continue to be a good home but the Shire cannot put down roots and grow there.”
Barr added: “I was asked if it would be done within 5 years and I have said it will be done quicker than that. I have been working with the planners and sometimes the planning takes longer than the building so I will be very disappointed if it takes that long.”
“I would like to think we would have the new pavilion and pitch within 18 months. If anyone wants to come on board and join in an ambitious project and help set up a modern facility I will be delighted to hear from them.”
The idea for the new ground has grown as the relationship between Barr and Ford grew with the LK Galaxy Sports boss saying: “I had no affiliation with the Shire but they have been great to deal with. The site has an annexe on it and the Shire have taken that over already and that has given them a training base that they have used throughout this season.”
“Tony is a forward thinking guy and so am I. I am a Camelon boy and want to put something back into the area I grew up in and the message to like-minded people is to come on board and join us as we are going to build something great.”
It is not just about the Shire first team having a new pitch to play on as they also want to grow their own players.
Barr said: “LK Galaxy Sports host the Central Scotland Football Development Association 7 a side and 4 a side leagues as well as fun fours and super five games as well. It is also the venue for the Forth Valley Leagues Development games.”
“The venue already provides the first steps in football for children. It will soon by doing that in partnership with East Stirling in a joint partnership entitled East Stirling Galaxy. They are the football club and we will deliver the community coaching for them.”
“It is all about an engagement programme to get children playing football. We start them off and them the first kick of the ball and it is all about fun and enjoyment with no pressure on children to perform.”
Barr added: “Our new venture is looking to create a pathway from kids to senior football with East Stirling providing the senior football. Not everyone will go on to play senior football however we would like players to develop to a level they can play at, whether they reach a really good amateur side like Syngenta or a junior side like Falkirk Juniors.”
“I mention Falkirk juniors as they could also be playing from here in the same stadium as the Shire.”
“This part of the plan is all about getting kids into football and still having them playing 20 years later at a level they are enjoying or with their pals because that is what they enjoy. Hopefully them they will then start bringing their kids. Playing at the senior level is not the only success for football.”
Shire Chairman Ford said: “I am delighted with the partnership we have built with Stephen and everyone at LK Galaxy Sports. This partnership would manage the new facilities creating additional income streams depending on how well it is used by the public.”
“The plan to develop the area surrounding the pitch into an SFA Licence compliant stadium facility, with a stand for almost 1,000 spectators, and is welcomed by the board of directors of East Stirlingshire FC.”
“As a result we are minded that should this phase of the development be completed, it would seek SFA and SPFL approval to play first team matches there. We have advised the SPFL of our plans which would see us use the new facilities at Little Kerse where we would receive priority to use the pitch for training sessions and play matches in the SPFL and Reserve League.”
There will be no move for next season with Ford saying: “However, at present this element is unfunded and East Stirlingshire FC remains committed to its existing lease agreement with Stenhousemuir FC to use Ochilview Park for first team games.”
“The club currently uses Little Kerse for training purposes and has recently upgraded a disused building there to create its own base with changing facilities, treatment area, meeting room and storage.”
“It would however be fantastic to have somewhere where we can call home and have a tangible and intangible presence in our local community.”
