Billy Gilmour Stadium Renamed in Honor of Community Roots
Scotland star Billy Gilmour has entered a five-year naming rights deal with his childhood club, Ardrossan Winton Rovers, renaming their ground the Billy Gilmour Stadium and reinforcing his connection to the community.
Ardrossan Winton Rovers' home ground has been renamed the Billy Gilmour Stadium as part of a five-year naming rights deal with the Scotland international.
Gilmour, who grew up in Ardrossan, has expressed gratitude for his community and is committed to giving back. "As a home boy from Ardrossan, you try to give as much back to the community as possible and going there is something I always make a point of doing when I'm home," Gilmour stated.
The deal signifies a deep connection to the club, where his father, Billy, and uncle, Ken Pollock, also played. His cousin is currently part of the under-20s team, and his brother, Harvey, plays for the first team.
Gilmour has been involved with the club since he was seven years old, playing and winning tournaments on the grounds that are now named after him. He attended training sessions for the first team at the age of eight.
"When Pat Breen [committee member] came to me with the idea, it was quite a proud moment, actually," Gilmour said. "It really brings it home: this is where I grew up and played my football, where my dad played for many years, my uncle played, and I came down as a kid watching. Now my younger brother Harvey is down here doing his coaching and also playing. It's pretty special to come down and watch Harvey and knowing it's named not just after me - but the family."
Harvey Gilmour, Billy's brother, has also followed in the family's footsteps, playing for the club and scoring the first goal at the newly-named stadium. He also shares technical attributes with his brother and is involved in coaching.
Davie McKellar, director of football at the club, highlighted the community's collective effort, noting that numerous volunteers contribute to the club's operations and maintenance.
Robert Macnamara, club secretary, who has been with the club since he was 12, expressed pride in its progress. The club now features women's and girls' teams, various boys' age groups, and programs like walking football and a Street Soccer project. An after-school program provides children with a meal before they head home, underscoring the club's role as a community hub.
"Everybody in Ardrossan is pleased for Billy," Macnamara said. "He is going to be a mainstay of the national team and he has got himself back on at Napoli but this is where he grew up and it is very important to him."