Hearts Education and Community Trust announced a fantastic new partnership aimed at providing more opportunities for young people to get active and enjoy sport.

Close neighbours to Tynecastle, The North British Distillery Ltd has donated use of the their football pitch to the Trust.

Located directly behind the Wheatfield Stand, the pitch is an outstanding facility that will provide young players, community groups and teams to participate in the shadow of Tynecastle Stadium. The area is surrounded by a fifteen foot walled perimeter which makes it secure and private for users.

The Education and Community Trust has already begun planning extensive use of the facility which will include skill development centres for children 5-12 years, school holiday courses, primary school festivals and a home park for the acclaimed Hearts Legends team.

Welcoming the partnership, Hearts community manager Alan White said "We are delighted to be working with the North British Distillery Ltd. to help encourage more kids to get active. What greater motivation would you want than to be honing your football skills next to Tynecastle, it really is an idyllic setting and one we are certain young people will be enthused by."

"We have been working closely with the distillery for the best part of a year and have taken on the responsibility of maintaining the pitch to ensure it is in the best possible condition for our users."

Production Director at the North British Distillery, Tommy Leigh commented "The Distillery is extremely pleased the football pitch is being used to support youth football in the local area. The Trust have been instrumental in ensuring the pitch is in great condition and one day we hope a future Scotland player will have started his career here"

The Trust welcomes enquires from community groups and teams who may wish to use the facility. Enquiries can be emailed to alan@homplc.co.uk

Today on Hearts.TV and App - Latest highlights from the U19s plus post match reaction from JJ and Ryan Stevenson.

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