Latest news with #EastKilbridePirates
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
East Kilbride Pirates mark 40th anniversary after advert in EK News launched club
The American football team hosted a 'homecoming' game last week to celebrate the milestone moment East Kilbride Pirates have marked 40 years since the club burst onto the local sporting scene — with the town's American football team celebrating the milestone with a special 'homecoming' game last week. Launched in March 1985, the Pirates have come a long way since their first-ever training session at Ballerup. The team was formed thanks to the East Kilbride News with a notice appearing inviting like-minded locals to get in touch with founder Alex Stewart, and the then-unnamed Pirates were born. The name followed shortly after, thanks to a competition in this very paper. The winning entry came from a local 10-year-old, Paul Carrigan — and the Pirates would love to know where Paul is now, so they can get in touch to thank him. A playing squad quickly came together. While they waited for their first full kit to arrive, the team played three 'unkitted' games that first year — starting with a heavy defeat to the Ayr Burners, before bouncing back with wins over the Johnstone Crusaders and Stirling University. Fast forward four decades and the club has never been stronger. With several league titles under their belt, what began as a single adult team has grown into eight different squads offering both contact and flag football for players aged seven and up — including two women's flag teams. Over the years, Pirates players have gone on to represent their country at all levels. Earlier this month, Tate Garrett and Justin Goodall from the club's U16s lined up for the GB Lions U17 squad in Derby. And there's more to come — Leah McKendrick, who plays for the U17 flag and U19 contact teams, has been selected for the GB U17 girls squad heading to Austria next month for the European Championships, while Abi Coleman, from the women's flag side, has been called up to the GB women's contact squad competing later this year. The 40th celebrations culminated in a double-header of action at GHA Rugby Club in Giffnock on July 20. The U19s were up first, facing off against the Edinburgh Napier Knights U19s. Despite a strong effort, the young Pirates lost out 14–42. In the senior game that followed, the Pirates fell short in a tight contest, losing 6–12 to the Manchester Titans. Current club chair Amanda McDonald, now in her fourteenth year at the helm, said: 'This is a really special landmark for us. We're one of the longest-surviving clubs in the UK, and the oldest in Scotland. Sunday's final home game of the season was our 40th anniversary homecoming, and we invited all former Pirates players to come along — with free entry if they're on our all-time roster. 'It was a fantastic chance to reconnect with old teammates and cheer on the current squad as they took on the Manchester Titans.' A highlight of the day came at half-time in the senior game, when club founder Alex Stewart was inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame by Club Committee member and historian and Hall of Famer Bill Campbell — marking ten years since the Hall of Fame was launched, and 40 since Alex placed that very first notice that brought the Pirates together. Although the Pirates now train primarily in Hamilton and play home games at GHA Rugby Club in Giffnock, they've stayed true to their East Kilbride roots — with women's flag, U17, and U19 teams still practising at Calderglen High School in the town. Amanda added: 'One of our biggest challenges remains costs — with everything becoming more expensive. 'In our 40th year, it would be amazing if any local businesses interested in sponsoring us, and helping us reach our 50th anniversary, could get in touch. 'Our U16s are playoff-bound and hoping for U16 Britbowl in Sheffield, which would mean an expensive trip. And our senior team continues to compete in the Premiership — the only team in Scotland to do so — which means long and costly travel.' The club is always on the lookout for new players too — so if you fancy giving American football a try, now's the perfect time.
Glasgow Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
East Kilbride Pirates get grant for new kits from Royal Mail
The East Kilbride Pirates U16s American football team was awarded the funding through Royal Mail's Kits 4 Kids programme, which aims to get more young people active by supporting grassroots clubs in their communities. The Pirates were nominated for the funding by their coach and local postman, Willie Brown. Mr Brown, a Hall of Fame player, ensured the boys got new practice and playing jerseys, as well as 'bottom kit' for training and games. Read more: Donald Trump expected to visit Scotland later this month Greg Sage, director of corporate affairs and ESG at Royal Mail, said: "Our 130,000 people are at the heart of their communities across the UK, and Royal Mail's Kits 4 Kids gives colleagues the opportunity to show their support and help young people get active in their local area. "Unwavering pride and passion, forging through all weathers, out in the community – grassroots sport has a lot in common with Royal Mail. "This exciting new initiative brings the two together and we are delighted to be able to support the East Kilbride Pirates." The Pirates were established in 1985 and are an amateur, volunteer-run club that aims to provide a safe and positive environment for all players to participate in and enjoy American football. Amanda McDonald, chair of the East Kilbride Pirates, said: "The grant from Royal Mail has been a godsend for us in these challenging times, especially because American football uniforms have to be ordered specially from a limited number of suppliers. "The kids are delighted to wear their new jerseys to their tournaments. "Willie was a real hero to apply for this funding – it's typical of how passionate and dedicated he is to the team." The Kits 4 Kids programme was launched to help youth sports teams in need of new equipment and received 2,500 nominations from employees in its first year and has supported 300 teams so far.
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
East Kilbride Pirates awarded funding from Royal Mail's Kits 4 Kids programme
The team received the funding as part of the company's drive to support employees' local grassroots teams and help young people get active. Budding American football players from East Kilbride Pirates U16s are celebrating being awarded a grant for brand-new kits as part of Royal Mail's Kits 4 Kids programme. The team received the funding as part of the company's drive to support employees' local grassroots teams and help young people get active. The team was nominated for funding by Willie Brown, a postman in Glasgow who coaches the team and is a Hall of Fame player. The funding means that the team was able to purchase new practice and playing jerseys, as well as new 'bottom kit' for training and games. Royal Mail's Kits 4 Kids was launched in response to many requests from colleagues across the country who want to help their local youth sports teams by funding new kit. Royal Mail and Parcelforce employees were encouraged to nominate their local grassroots youth sports teams to receive grant funding. In its first year, the programme has received 2,500 nominations from employees and has supported 300 teams so far, with successful clubs chosen randomly by region. The East Kilbride Pirates are Scotland's leading American football club. Established in 1985, the club is amateur and run by volunteers, who believe that everyone should be able to participate in and enjoy American football in a safe and positive environment – whoever they are and whatever their background. Greg Sage, Royal Mail's Director of Corporate Affairs and ESG, said: 'Our 130,000 people are at the heart of their communities across the UK, and Royal Mail's Kits 4 Kids gives colleagues the opportunity to show their support and help young people get active in their local area. 'Unwavering pride and passion, forging through all weathers, out in the community – grassroots sport has a lot in common with Royal Mail. 'This exciting new initiative brings the two together and we are delighted to be able to support the East Kilbride Pirates.' Amanda McDonald, East Kilbride Pirates Club Chair, added: 'The grant from Royal Mail has been a godsend for us in these challenging times, especially because American football uniforms have to be ordered specially from a limited number of suppliers. 'The kids are delighted to wear their new jerseys to their tournaments. Willie was a real hero to apply for this funding – it's typical of how passionate and dedicated he is to the team.'
