GA Engineering Arena Opening

The GA Engineering Arena ('The GA'), home of Dundee United’s youth academy and community hub, was today opened by GA Engineering Managing Director Gordon Deuchars who scored the first goal on the new surface with a ceremonial penalty kick. The unveiling of the facility adjacent to Tannadice Park, formerly known as Gussie Park, was overseen by Chairman Stephen Thompson, Manager Jackie McNamara, Club captain Sean Dillon, dignitaries from the world of football, political and local authority as well as the business community. Representatives of the fans’ bodies ArabTRUST, Federation DUSC and Dundee United Business Club - all of whom had donated towards the cost - were also in attendance. Prior to the opening event, the guests listened to speeches from Gordon Deuchars and Stephen Thompson before being led on a guided tour of the arena during which introductions to the leaders of the local businesses that had provided central services during the regeneration of the site were conducted. After the tour guests were able to see the Club’s community programme in full flow as 100 children from local schools took part in a coaching session under the guidance of Community Manager Gordon Grady and his team of coaches. Speaking at the opening, Dundee United Chairman Stephen Thompson said, “The redevelopment is the cornerstone of the the Club’s future youth academy vision with development and sustainability at the forefront of the ethos. The youth academy will utilise the arena and the 3G 2* Fifa approved surface for training sessions and matches and the Club’s development squad will also play future matches within the GA Arena. On occasion the first team will also utilise the arena for training. “This concept is underpinned by a commitment to the local area in economic and community terms with both full time and part time jobs created and availability for local clubs, businesses, schools and private hire available complementing the use of local firms for contractual work during the regeneration programme. “Today marks the end of a project which has witnessed the Club working in tandem with ArabTRUST, Federation DUSC and Dundee United Business Club as well as the greater United fan base to provide the funding for the state of the art surface, provided by SIS Pitches - sourced from local firm Bonar Yarns - capable of hosting Champions League matches. The building and regeneration of the surrounding ground, fence and sports pavilion has been carried out by local firms.” Gordon Deuchars said: “I am a strong believer in improving sporting facilities for young people and the local community so I am delighted to oversee the opening of the renovated complex and provide the naming rights on behalf of GA Engineering. This facility will not only benefit Dundee United’s incredible youth academy but will also benefit the local community including many school children, local clubs and societies in the area. “It’s a wonderful complex that GA Engineering is proud to give its name to.” Manager Jackie McNamara said, “Everyone has really pulled together to achieve this goal in quite a short time frame. We are grateful to all who have helped us succeed in providing the facilities that will benefit all ages at the Club from our youngest team right up to our first team. “Having trained on it already, the players have stated it is the best 3G surface they have experienced. The improved facility enhances our training and development structure and that is something which links with my long term future of continually developing Dundee United as a Club and not only a first team. Everyone at Tannadice shares this vision and this is part of why it is such an exciting time to be involved at United.”