Former Swindon Town player Scott Twine has helped his hometown club Royal Wootton Bassett FC to open a new stand at their ground.
Ahead of their home match against Hartpury University on Saturday, the club unveiled the new Chris Kirkland Stand, named after a volunteer who has made a massive contribution across the club for more than three decades.
The funding for the base and foundations of the stand was provided by Twine and his father Steve, who started in their youth section before moving into Swindon’s academy and after breaking into the first team, has gone on to play at Milton Keynes Dons, Burnley, and Bristol City.
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Swindon legend Don Rogers came to the opening and helped to cut the ribbon along with 16 members of Kirkland’s family, including his wife Maureen who also opened the new stand.
Admission for the match was also made by donation and the Kirkland family decided to donate the £932 which was raised to help the Bassett’s youth section and its annual tour of The Netherlands.
Commenting on the ceremony, Royal Wootton Bassett Town vice chairman Pete Yeardley said: “We were honoured to be joined by so many of Chris’ family. It was also great to see so many people from the football club and town in attendance to celebrate the occasion and pay their respects to Chris.
“I think we gave Chris a fitting ceremony and throughout the day I imagined him watching over us and nodding in approval.
“Chris was a fantastic individual - and personally a great friend, who did so much for sport and the people of Wootton Bassett. He is sorely missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will never be forgotten.
“As a club, we would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Scott Twine and his father Steve for their generous support which funded the entire costs of the foundations and base of the stand which has been named in Chris’ honour.”
Kirkland made a huge contribution to the club, whilst a teacher in the town, he helped the club’s youth section and organised football trips to The Netherlands, starting in 1988 and still continuing to run today.
His community football programme, summer youth football tournaments, and work with the youth section at the club helped to expand their work in that area as well as develop many footballers and create great fun for young people in the area.
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