Crieff Juniors FC 2011s received the funding through Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative. The initiative supports local groups and organisations in the areas where Persimmon is active.

The donation helped support the young footballers’ participation in the Barcelona Cup during April, giving the youngsters the opportunity to experience football in one of the sport’s major cities, while representing their community on a global stage.

The team played fixtures against teams from different nations, with the event giving them the chance to develop friendships with players within Europe, whilst facilitating a competitive experience. 

The team’s positive attitude and sportsmanship were recognised during the closing ceremony of the tournament, where they were met with loud cheers as they picked up their medals.

The footballers’ train at Strathearn Community Campus, which is located directly opposite Persimmon Homes North Scotland’s Strathearn Meadows development in Crieff.

Darren MacKay, who is a local resident and Persimmon Homes North Scotland land manager joined players and coaches at the community campus to learn about the Barcelona visit and the club’s development.

MacKay said: “Crieff Juniors plays an important role in providing opportunities for young people to stay active, develop new skills and build friendships through sport.

“We are delighted to support the club and help make experiences like their trip to Barcelona possible. Supporting local organisations like Crieff Juniors is an important part of our commitment to the communities where we build.”

Stevie Bannerman, chair person at Crieff Juniors FC, said: “Our 2011s took part in the Barcelona Cup in April and it was a weekend they will hopefully remember for years to come, playing against teams from different countries and creating new friendships along the way. The players were a credit to their families and the club, and the coaches couldn’t have been more proud of how they conducted themselves throughout.

“Crieff Juniors FC would like to thank Persimmon Homes for their continued support of our club, especially while they are developing in the area. The support from Persimmon for this trip went a long way to making it all possible and is something the boys really appreciated.”

Within its Community Champions programme, Persimmon Homes North Scotland aims to to support charities, sports clubs and community groups across Perthshire alongside wider areas.