Issue - meetings

By the Lord Provost - David Pollacchi - Sport Scotland – Volunteer of the Year Award 2022

“Council

Congratulates David Pollacchi, a dedicated Committee Member and team coach from Lochend Football Academy who, from 200,000 nominated volunteers across Scotland won the ‘Sport Scotland’s Volunteer of the Year’ Award 2022!

David has championed a successful fundraising campaign over a fourteen-month period to raise funding of circa £70,000 to replace the previous, almost unplayable surface with a new 3G sustainable facility that will last for the next decade.

During this time the club have become a registered charity and also Scottish Football Association Quality Mark accredited. 

As per the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 2020, Lochend is one of the most deprived areas in the city of Edinburgh and this grassroots community football academy opened in 2008, located on the edge of Lochend Park and attracts children and young people from the local neighbourhood.  The club promotes a strong community ethos where both mental and physical wellbeing are enhanced with football in an outdoors environment, aiding the children’s growth and potential.

Following fundraising initiatives, David has this year managed to secure funding from the OneCity Trust to provide free football camps and coaching sessions for children (both boys and girls).  In addition, sponsorship deals have been negotiated for the children’s football strips with Farmers Autocare and NRS Healthcare.

David has shown a high level of dedication in making a positive difference to the wellbeing of local children and young people, by inspiring them with his commitment to football, the club and the community.

Council requests that the Lord Provost recognises this success in an appropriate manner.”