A community trust has received a funding boost of nearly £75,000.

East Kilbride Community Trust (EKCT) has been awarded £74,600 from SP Energy Networks' Transmission Net Zero Fund to make energy-efficient improvements to its home in East Kilbride.

The funding will be used to install solar panels at the K-Park Training Academy, resulting in an estimated annual saving of £6,000.

This saving will be reinvested into the community through the services offered to vulnerable groups by EKCT.

A recent partnership between EKCT and the newly-formed East Kilbride Integration Network has also led to the creation of a new refugee football initiative, providing new residents of East Kilbride with access to safe and inclusive sporting facilities.

East Kilbride’s K-Park Training Academy, owned and maintained by EKCT, has become a hub within the community.

It is home to several local sports teams, including East Kilbride Football Club's U12s Girls team.

To celebrate the funding, EKCT hosted professional footballer Lee Gibson, goalkeeper for Scottish Women's Premier League club Glasgow City and the Scotland Women's national team.

Having grown up in the area, Gibson began her professional career in East Kilbride and returned to her roots to attend a training session with the U12s team at K-Park.

During her visit, Gibson spoke with the young players, inspiring them with her journey from East Kilbride to Scotland’s national team.

Gibson said: "It was amazing to have the opportunity to come down to K-Park Training Academy and meet the U12’s girls team.

"It's incredible to see young athletes not only passionate about football, but also take an interest in sustainability and the action we all need to take to protect their futures.

"It’s obvious that the installation of solar panels, made possible by the Net Zero Fund, is a huge milestone for the trust and will help them continue to nurture and support East Kilbride’s future football talent."

While at the training ground, Lee was also able to learn more from the EKCT team about the importance of the facility from its regular users, as well as the positive impact the energy-efficient renovations are set to have.

Scot Dow, site manager for East Kilbride Community Trust, said: "We are incredibly grateful to SP Energy Networks and its Net Zero Fund for their generous support.

"This funding will not only allow us to install solar panels at our facility and make significant reductions to our carbon footprint, we’ll also be able to involve our young players in conversations around climate change and take them on the journey with us.

"The annual savings generated from making these upgrades will make a huge difference.

"By investing now, we’re able to futureproof the training grounds and continue to open up access to sporting opportunities for generations to come."

Lynda Ward, SP Energy Networks transformation director, added: "Visiting the training grounds at K-Park and meeting some of the budding sporting talent that make use of the facilities has been inspiring.

"It really brings home the importance of supporting the next generation in conversations about net zero as ultimately, they are the ones who will benefit from the changes we are making today.

"Spaces like this are at the heart of communities within the areas we operate in, so it's crucial that they are supported in making their sustainability plans a reality."

A host of charities and organisations supporting vulnerable communities across Scotland have received tailored capacity-building support and been awarded funding from SP Energy Networks’ Transmission Net Zero Fund to support their transition to low-carbon energy solutions and ensure no one is left behind when it comes to net zero.