Meet the Broxburn Media Stars

It’s great when the Press takes an interest in our clubs as it really does help to spread the good news.  

We were very lucky to have a visit from The West Lothian (WL) Courier recently who are part of the Daily Record group in Scotland. The WL Courier is widely read in the local area and the Daily Record read across Scotland. The Record also has a very active website so lots of positive exposure for the club and organisation. 

The reason for the coverage is that Broxburn Athletic FC, who host one of our Sporting Memories Scotland clubs, have teamed up with Broxburn United Sports Club to ensure on going free attendance for members to the club’s Sporting Memories group. 

Donna Mackey, our Partnerships Manager in Scotland, was on hand to speak with the reporter and explain our work and goals. 

She explained that the camaraderie at our Broxburn group has built tremendously since its start just over a year ago. Donna told the reporter “It can often be the only couple of hours members maybe have in a social environment. They make friendships and enjoy themselves and that’s so important.” 

Two important hours for one member 

One member who regularly attends is Tom Crookston, who journeys in from West Calder to Albyn Park every Wednesday for 10am. 

The 84-year-old spoke about how vital the club has been to him since he first joined and urged others to join. 

He said: “It’s now become such a huge part of my life and it’s such an important thing for the elderly to have groups like these. 

“I was introduced to the club by a friend called John Meikle who unfortunately passed away a few months ago. He was one of the founding members and played such a huge role in bringing people together. 

“For a person of my age, it’s a really good thing and it’s important that people know the club is here. I live on my own after my wife passed away 10 years ago and loneliness is a terrible thing. 

“Some people can go out and mix easily but I don’t, so coming to the club and making it part of my weekly routine has been brilliant. The social aspect of it is vital and Donna and the guys who run the club are tremendous.” 

Broxburn Athletic midfielder Lewis Turner also popped in for the session when the WL Courier was in town and he was pleasantly surprised to find how much fun members were having and said was sure that some of his team-mates would also visit the club when they could.  

Lewis said: “It’s a great initiative and so important that the club plays this sort of role within the community.” 

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