A PITREAVIE sports group which inspires young people to reach their goals in athletics has received funding from Ross and Liddell’s community bursary scheme.

A PITREAVIE sports group which inspires young people to reach their goals in athletics has received funding from Ross and Liddell’s community bursary scheme.

The Francis Smith Hurdles and Sprints Squad is a recipient of the company’s 2014 initiative, which gives financial support to community groups and organisations across the country.

Set up by former athlete Francis Smith in 2012, the group provides young people with the opportunity to get involved in sprinting and hurdling.

Training five nights a week at Pitreavie Athletics Centre, the club attracts young people from all over the area and has already propelled a number of athletes on to Scottish and district championship success.

Funding from Ross and Liddell will be used to purchase a new software package which will help analyse athlete performance. The club will also buy stopwatches and sports kits.

Francis, coach of the Francis Smith Hurdles and Sprints Squad, said, “Our aim is to give talented young athletes the chance to develop their skills in sprinting and hurdling and for them to learn more about sport in general, as well as giving them the chance to interact socially in a sports context.

“We have a very dedicated group of young people and a number have already gone on to participate in Scottish and district competitions. The funding will help the coaches to analyse our athletes’ performance which will help to develop and improve their form. We would like to say a big thank you to Ross and Liddell for its support.” Ross and Liddell specialises in property management and maintenance, as well as providing a comprehensive range of residential and commercial services, including sales, lettings, surveying and insurance.

Now in its fourth year, the community bursary scheme was launched to provide support to organisations that make a vital difference in their community.

Irene Devenny, managing director of Ross and Liddell, said, “The bursary has really gone from strength to strength and the number of entries that we received for the 2014 scheme was fantastic.

“Promising young sports stars need a programme of coaching and training to develop their skills and build momentum – and the Francis Smith Hurdles and Sprints Squad does just that. It’s vitally important that organisations like this have access to funding sources to help them continue their work in the local community. We are thrilled to offer our support and know that the money will be used to help young people develop their skills in sport.”