Pirates announce
new home ground for 2010

The East Kilbride Pirates are delighted to announce that their home ground for the 2010 British American Football season will be Whitecraigs Rugby Club, in Newton Mearns.

Despite enjoying a great relationship with Hamilton Rugby Club, the team’s venue for 2009, the Pirates had to seek a new ground as a result of pitch improvement works, which wouldn’t be completed in time to host all of this season’s home games. A hunt then ensued to find a suitable replacement base.

“This is the team’s 25^th anniversary year, so it was hugely important for us to find the right venue for this season,” said team Chairman Matthew Davies. “While we’re sad to be moving on from Hamilton Rugby Club, I’m sure our new partnership with Whitecraigs will be every bit as successful, providing the Pirates with an excellent level of facilities for both fans and visiting teams alike. I’d also like to thank committee member Neale McMaster, whose hard work to find a new home ground was key to securing the deal.”

Although the East Kilbride Pirates are Scotland’s oldest American Football team, Whitecraigs has an even longer history. Formed in 1928, the Rugby Union team has a strong focus on youth development, and its senior squad has recently been promoted to Premier 3.

Facilities on offer include three pitches, two the same size as Murrayfield, as well as a club house with a players bar, lounge bar, squash courts and gym.

“We’re very pleased to welcome American Football to Whitecraigs this year” said Club Secretary Graeme Scott. “I think this will be a great arrangement for both us and the Pirates, who share the same commitment and passion to their sport as we do. I’m looking forward to seeing the guys in action on the pitch, and wish them a very successful series of home games.”  

The Pirates look forward to welcoming fans to Whitecraigs on Sunday 6 June at 2.30pm, when they play their first home game of the season against Division One North Rivals the Doncaster Mustangs.