Shoot Soccer
What a difference a year makes…
It’s a year since James Griffiths purchased Shoot Soccer in Ayr; a year in which it has been transformed from a much-loved old friend fallen on hard times into the smart, purposeful, and successful sports centre that the town has long needed.
As we reported in issue 52 of AM, James wasted little time in giving the complex a much-needed makeover. Ten months on from our last visit, its evident that further significant improvements have been implemented.
The first thing we notice on driving up to Shoot Soccer and parking in its large, smoothly surfaced car park is just how bright and attractive the exterior of the complex looks in its vibrant yellow and black colour scheme. It gives a positive first impression that’s been amplified since our previous visit, thanks to the roof having been repainted earlier this year.
Moving inside the complex, the café has now been extensively redecorated and refurnished in the same colour scheme as the exterior. It looks clean, sharp and welcoming. The spacious function suite has also been significantly refurbished since we last saw it: its décor has been tastefully refreshed and it now boasts a large drop-down screen, a roof-mounted 4K projector, and a quality speaker system. Child friendly and licensed for 180 people, it’s the perfect space for all manner of private, team, and corporate events, meetings, functions, and parties. And as James points out, a full in-house catering service is available.
The pitches have also benefitted from James’s latest six-figure investment programme. New LED floodlights, brighter and more reliable than the lights previously used as well as being more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, have been installed at every pitch. The pitches have themselves also come in for some costly attention: at the time of writing, two of them have been resurfaced with the latest TigerTurf 3G artificial grass, with three more pitches due to have it installed by by the end of October 2024 and the remainder by the summer of 2025.
From the outset, James has emphasised the importance of Shoot Soccer’s role in providing a service to the local community and beyond. To this end, Shoot Soccer works in partnership with a number of football academies (including Progressive Touches, Total Baller, Train Like A Pro, MD 1-2-1 Goalkeeping, Fit-ba, and Player to Player) to host training sessions at the complex, helping to provide players with a pathway up the footballing pyramid.
Strong partnership links have also been forged between Shoot Soccer and Ayr United FC, and the result is a relationship which has seen everything from community based mini kicker and walking football projects to the club’s academy and first team make use of Shoot Soccer’s gym, pitches, and other facilities. Moreover, having agreed a sponsorship package with Ayr United, Shoot Soccer’s distinctive logo and branding will shortly be seen at Somerset Park.
Shoot Soccer is, of course, also a key local resource for those, no matter their age, who play football primarily for the enjoyment, social and health benefits that it has to offer. It’s a place where all are welcome.
Demand for use of the centre’s facilities is high, and James is keen to point out that Shoot Soccer’s profits are not only invested back into it but also into a number of local football teams through sponsorship programmes. In addition, Shoot Soccer provides direct employment for local people in a variety of roles.
The transformation which Shoot Soccer has undergone in the last 12 months has been little short of remarkable; it has been revitalised both as a sports centre and as a brand. And, knowing James’s passion for Shoot Soccer, further enhancements to it will no doubt follow in the days that lie ahead.
Shoot Soccer, Voluntary Park, Glenmuir Place, Ayr, KA8 9RR
01292 280606 | www.shootsoccer.co.uk
