Edinburgh football club receives £3,000 boost from local home builder

Persimmon’s donation supports Hutchison Vale’s youth trip to Newcastle and new team kits

Persimmon Homes East Scotland has donated £3,000 to Hutchison Vale Football Club, helping to support one of Edinburgh’s most iconic grassroots football organisations.

The donation, made through Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative, helped fund a recent trip to Newcastle, where the club’s youth teams competed in a football competition, gaining valuable experience and making memories that will last a lifetime. As part of the support, the Persimmon logo will also feature on the 2015 squad’s kit, worn proudly in the club’s traditional yellow and black colours.

Hutchison Vale FC, based at Ford’s Road in Saughton, was originally founded in 1940 to provide footballing opportunities for boys in the Hutchison area and surrounding communities. Now, the club supports 400–500 boys and girls across 20 teams, with players ranging from under 10s to under 20s, along with a thriving Junior Academy for children aged five to eight.

The club has produced more than 30 Scottish international players and countless others who have gone on to play professionally, including Paul Hanlon, Leigh Griffiths, Allan McGregor, Kenny Miller, and John Collins. Other former players include Gregor Townsend, Scotland’s national rugby coach, and rising boxing star Lee McGregor.

Neil Parry, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes East Scotland, said:

"Hutchison Vale has a proud tradition of developing young talent while instilling the values of discipline, teamwork and respect.

“We're delighted to support their trip to Newcastle and help ensure the next generation continues to benefit from all that the club has to offer."

Tam Smith, Club Leader, said:

“We are very grateful for this generous donation. It will make a huge difference in ensuring our boys have a fantastic experience at their tournament in Newcastle.

“With funding becoming tighter each year, this support is invaluable to our voluntary organisation.”

Persimmon Homes East Scotland donates up to £6,000 every quarter to local organisations and charities through its Community Champions programme, supporting groups that make a real difference in their communities.

To find out more or apply for a Community Champions grant, visit: www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions