David Gray coaching young players.
Two part-time footballers first established the Gold and Gray Soccer Academy in 2016, then based at the Jack Kane centre, Niddire, in the east side of Edinburgh. David Gold plays for Arbroath and Ross Gray for Bonnyrigg Rose and they are both UEFA licensed coaches.
The academy was set up initially, not only to provide opportunities for extra training for boys and girls locally but also to help with the transition into mainstream boys’ and girls’ clubs within the grassroots game. Creating the right football environment was important to Gold and Gray, with children as young as 2-3 starting to play, 8-9 years old looking to fall in love with the game, as well as pro youth players looking to take their game to the next level.
Seven years on, Gold and Gray now have a talented team of coaches all striving to be the best they can be to support every young person’s journey. Delivering Academy sessions, private tuition for single persons and small groups, club sessions and birthday parties as well as their schools programmes which is in more than 40 schools in Scotland.
Gold and Gray operates weekly in 10 different locations across Edinburgh and the Lothians, most recently branching out to Berwick-upon-Tweed. More than 400 players attend each week.
Speaking to David Gold it is very obvious the passion and enthusiasm the footballing duo give to the academy and to the players they coach. He says:
“We want every player to attend with the desire to be the best. Be the best person they can be and the best footballer they can be. For that to happen we need to make sure that any player coming through the door is coming through without the fear of making mistakes. That message, that positive value, is reinforced to every kid. Helping each of them battle any challenges and overcome any barriers to succeeding.
“Developing people and not just players will always be a major factor for us. The academy has taken on more than six coaches from senior school into paid work whilst having over thirty kids for work experience, helping further their chances of reaching their potential.
“Our coaches are patient, honest enthusiastic and make sure the players have a positive experience for playing football. Every session is fun but challenging.”
To find out more visit www.goldandgraysocceracademy.co.uk
This article has been written by David Kelly, Secretary, Bowls Midlothian
In a bold move to redefine the landscape of bowls and usher in a new era of excitement, Bowls Midlothian proudly announces the launch of the Bowls Midlothian U35 UBL (Ultimate Bowls League). As the echoes of traditional bowls reverberate through the ages, this league marks a significant step forward, embracing innovation, inclusivity, and a vibrant spirit that captivates both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
For too long, bowls has carried the stereotype of being a sport reserved for the older generation, but with the recent surge of interest and participation in dynamic bowls events globally, the time is ripe for change. Inspired by the success of initiatives like the Ultimate Bowls Championship (UBC) in Australia, we are thrilled to introduce a league that not only pays homage to the rich heritage of the sport but also embraces the evolving tastes and preferences of modern audiences.
At the heart of the Bowls Midlothian U35 UBL lies a commitment to reimagining the traditional bowls experience. Gone are the days of quiet greens and subdued attire; instead, we invite players and spectators to immerse themselves in a dynamic environment filled with colorful teamwear, attractive team logos, and fast-paced scoring systems. The league promises an adrenaline-fueled spectacle that will leave participants and onlookers alike on the edge of their seats.
The response to the announcement of the league’s inception has been nothing short of phenomenal. Across Midlothian the excitement is palpable, with teams like the Dalkeith Dragons, Gilmerton Gators, Buccleuch Bulls and LMW Lions to name a few, already gearing up to compete for the inaugural title. Their enthusiasm mirrors our own, as we collectively embark on this thrilling journey to redefine what it means to be a bowler in the 21st century.
In a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing the visual appeal and professionalism of the teams, Bowls Midlothian has partnered with locally-based teamwear specialists XX:20. Led by Director and Scottish Internationalist, Megan Grantham, XX:20 is renowned for its commitment to modernising teamwear within the bowls community. Megan Grantham expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “XX:20 was built on the foundations to modernise the teamwear in bowls, and this exciting new competition fits that bill! We are delighted to be part of the buzz!” With XX:20’s expertise and dedication to innovation, teams participating in the Bowls Midlothian U35 UBL can look forward to donning stunning, high-quality teamwear that reflects the dynamic spirit of the league.
Clubs have until March 10th 2024 to enter their teams with the league due to kick off at the end of April. Who will win this game changing competition that’s got bowlers, not only in Midlothian, but up and down the country talking?
As Bowls Midlothian Secretary, I can say that the Bowls Midlothian U35 UBL has sparked conversations among bowlers not only within Midlothian but also resonating further afield. The league’s potential to invigorate interest in the sport, particularly among younger demographics.
In tandem with the launch of this exhilarating new bowls format, Bowls Midlothian is also unveiling a new youth coaching initiative, BowlsBoost. With these combined efforts, I see a revitalisation of youth participation in bowls, laying the foundation for a vibrant and sustainable future for the sport in Midlothian. By fostering a welcoming environment that embraces innovation and inclusivity, Bowls Midlothian is poised to inspire the next generation of bowlers and ensure the longevity of the sport for years to come.
For more information about the Bowls Midlothian U35 UBL, including how to get involved or support the league through sponsorship, please visit www.bowlsmidlothian.co.uk or email bowlsmidlothian@gmail.com.
Let’s bowl into the future—together.
Photograph by Joe Gilhooley LRPS.
The housebuilder has announced a sponsorship deal with Bonnyrigg Rose Football Club (BRFC) following one of the most successful seasons in the club’s 140-year history.
Cala Homes (East) has teamed up with the Rose, supporting the club with its upkeep and running costs as it looks to cement itself as an established SPFL team.
The team became a professional club for the first time in its history just one season ago, after securing promotion to SPFL’s League Two.
The sponsorship comes at a crucial time for Bonnyrigg Rose, which sits midtable in SPFL’s League Two and narrowly missed out on the Scottish Cup quarterfinal, following an impressive cup run that included a win against higher-tiered Falkirk FC.
Bonnyrigg Rose FC Committee Board Member, Donald Cameron, said: “Cala’s contribution will ensure our club has the best possible chance at competing at the highest level.
“We’ve not long been a professional club so it’s absolutely crucial that we continue our momentum and can retain our position as a high-level club. Sponsorships, such as Cala’s, are vital in keeping our football club competitive as we look to build on a successful season staying in the SPFL.
“At this level, it takes a lot of graft and dedication to run a football club, and so we are grateful for every ounce of support we receive. The partnership with Cala made sense right away – it has a terrific reputation in supporting local community projects and ventures so we’re over the moon to have its support.”
The housebuilder’s logo will now be seen pitch side, with the resulting donation helping the team to fund its transport costs up and down the country for its away fixtures.
The club has enjoyed great success in recent years with a number of Lowland League titles in the trophy cabinet and, following a final day survival in the SPFL last season, the club has plans to develop its stadium and introduce hospitality tickets for each home game at New Dundas Park.
Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East) said: “Bonnyrigg Rose has been on an incredible trajectory this past year and provided so many great memories for the community – we’ve really enjoyed watching the club’s success.
“It’s very important to us at Cala to support the areas and communities we work in. Midlothian is no different and we’re very glad to be able to back one of its local clubs where we can. We’ll definitely be cheering on Bonnyrigg Rose throughout the season!”
Cala has long invested into the Midlothian area, recently completing and handing over 57 social rent homes in Penicuik, helping to combat the affordable housing shortage in the area.
Last year Cala also commenced construction on a new £80m development at Newton and Wellington Farm in Midlothian, which will comprise of 620 homes located between Old Craighall and Millerhill.
