22nd July 2008
"Stars Backing ‘Cooper Troopers’ Walk For Centre"
"Scottish Football Association Chief Executive Gordon Smith is one of many leading lights in Scottish football to lend his support to the Davie Cooper Centre which, when constructed, will provide an outdoor and indoor focused facility for special needs children and their families.
Typical of fundraising for the ambitious project, which it is anticipated will open in 2010, a small team of four walkers will attempt the West Highland Way in September, including Centre staff members Jackie McDonald and Gary Campbell who, along with Susan Lamond and Robert Cadzow, will set off on from Milngavie for the 95 mile trek on Sunday 7th September.
Jackie, founder of the charity, is hoping that, in addition to raising much needed finances, the walk will also assist in raising the profile of the centre. “There has been a massive amount of work going on behind the scenes since our official launch in March 2005 but, with outline planning now secured and a completion date of 2010 anticipated, we are now at a stage of moving forward to the next level.
“I’m also delighted to announce that we have reached a partnership agreement with leading Scottish learning disabilities charity Cornerstone Community Care that will see Cornerstone actively involved once it is opened. Their values are identical to our own and it is a massive bonus to have them on board."
“Once completed, this will be such a fantastic facility and one that is much needed. The Centre will include a large adventure play garden and family centre for up to 60 children, respite accommodation with four bed spaces and will develop an outreach programme that will be co-ordinated from the centre.”
Scotland international Davie Cooper was a legendary figure in football, who began his career at Clydebank FC, before moving to Rangers and Motherwell and then returning to Clydebank. At the age of just 39, while coaching youngsters, he collapsed and tragically died.
When Clydebank FC planned to build a new stadium they intended to name it after Davie Cooper as a tribute to the highly respected sportsman where he began and ended his career. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond their control the stadium was never built. The former shareholders of Clydebank F.C. generously agreed to lease two acres of that land for a peppercorn rent with a 99 year term to enable the Davie Cooper Centre for special needs children and their families to be built. This centre will be established, with the endorsement of his family, as a lasting tribute to a great professional.
Among those from the world of football who actively endorse the initiative are Rangers manager Walter Smith, coach Ally McCoist, former Motherwell and Rangers star Bobby Russell and Davie’s former international team-mate Willie Miller, now Director of Football at Aberdeen FC.
For more information on the centre and details of how to contribute, visit www.thedaviecoopercentre.org
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