A new partnership between the council and Garnkirk United Community Football Club is helping to improve facilities for young players and the wider community in the Stepps area.
Garnkirk United, which has used the Stepps Hockey Pitch since 2013, was established around 30 years ago and is run entirely by local volunteers.
The club currently supports around 300 children and young people aged between five and 16, providing opportunities to take part in grassroots football in a safe and welcoming environment.
Councillor John McLaren, convener of the regulatory committee, attended the opening of the new facility in January.
“The club approached the council to explore ways of making better use of the on-site pavilion,” he explained. “Improved access would allow the club to provide better facilities for players, coaches and families, as well as create opportunities for wider community use.
“To address this, a keyholder agreement was developed in partnership with the club. The agreement allows controlled access to the pavilion within clear conditions set by the council.
“It outlines responsibilities, access arrangements and conditions of use. Council officers worked closely with Legal Services and met regularly with the club to ensure expectations were clearly understood throughout the process.”
The council also responded to concerns about unauthorised use of the site during the evenings.
A locked gate was installed at the site entrance and a clean-up of the area was carried out, improving safety and security for users and local people.
The pavilion will now be used during match days and, subject to council agreement, at other times for community drop-in sessions and activities.
The club plans to use the pavilion as a central hub for its work and intends to begin fundraising for local causes.
The pavilion officially opened on Saturday 10 January 2026, welcoming coaches, players, parents and members of the local community.
Colin Green, Club Secretary of Garnkirk United, said: “We are extremely grateful for the help and assistance that allowed the Stepps Pavilion to open.
“We are particularly grateful to the volunteers of Garnkirk who stepped forward with their time, effort and financial assistance to ensure the pavilion was opened in its current excellent condition.
“We support 300 young players, which really is something to be proud of, and the new facility is the hub of everything we do as a community group.”
The club also thanked staff at the Iain Nicolson Centre for their continued support in helping to facilitate access arrangements.