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Sandra Cushnie thought it was a joke when a kids’ football club stepped in to save her primary schools’ league, but says the 11th-hour drama is a “miracle”.

The introduction of pitch-hire charges across South Lanarkshire meant that Hamilton and District Primary Schools’ Football Association were struggling to cope financially, but Glasgow-based Clydesdale FC – who also operate in South and North Lanarkshire – have stepped in to pay the fees “for the foreseeable future.”

Sandra, who has been secretary of HDPSFA since 1978, doesn’t blame South Lanarkshire Leisure for bringing in the charges, but says they would not have been able to finish the season, and would probably have folded in two months’ time.

She said: “It has been like a miracle.

“It probably works out at about £20 a week but that is the difference between us disappearing and being able to carry on, and it’s more than I could have expected.

“I received a couple of phonecalls and Clydesdale FC gave me their donation. I thought it was a joke at first. I couldn’t believe it.

“I asked if it was for this season but they said it’s for the foreseeable future. This makes a world of difference to us – I can continue to organise games, competitions and buy medals, knowing the pitches are paid for.

“Without this help we would probably not be able to finish the season in May. I’m sure we would have folded about February. I really was astonished. At our last games I told spectators that we were struggling, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to keep this going for kids in the area.

“It’s kindness beyond anything I have ever imagined.”

Sandra has a background in boys’ football, having taken charge of a successful David Livingstone Memorial Primary team after she started teaching there in 1977.

She quickly became involved in the Hamilton and District Primary Schools’ FA and took over as secretary in 1978. It quickly became apparent she would have to hand over the reins of the David Livingstone team.

A club spokesman said: “As a community club we felt we couldn’t stand by and let kids suffer. We wanted to give something back to the communities in which we are based.”

Clydesdale are looking for players born in the 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 age groups.

Call 01698 507233 for more information.