East Kilbride Thistle F.C. A beautiful friendship By Craig Anderson IT was just under a year ago when the town's leading football club and the town's leading taxi firm came together to form a leading partnership in 2005-2006. And the success that East Kilbride Thistle has enjoyed over the last 12 months on the pitch has been shared with the success that EKTOA Taxis have enjoyed themselves as a result of the affiliation with the Junior club. With EKTOA's support, the club has managed to bring in some top quality players that helped the club not only gain promotion to the Super League, but reach their second Sectional League Cup in four years. And on the back of that success, EKTOA Taxis will continue their partnership with East Kilbride Thistle next season as the club embarks on a new journey where they will take on the cream of Ayrshire football as they look to cement their place in the West Region Super League. There have been other notable differences off the park that has strengthened the bond between EK Thistle FC and EKTOA Taxis, such as the work carried out in improving dressing room facilities, help in providing training equipment and the provision of new facilities situated inside the park, which provides refreshments for supporters at half time, as well as a committee room and a hospitality area for visiting club officials. Not to mention the PA system; which provides supporters with team information and any fixture information on matchdays. EKTOA's drivers have also played their part in promoting the club within the town by selling tickets for prize draws and advertising forthcoming fixtures, including last season's Sectional League Cup Final and it's that sort of input and assistance that has given EK Thistle so much benefit over the last year, as a result of TOA Taxis affiliation. Club secretary Darren Waugh extended his thanks to the town's leading taxi firm for their unrelenting support. He said, "We are delighted that the partnership with TOA has been so successful and without their help and support, we wouldn't have been able to get the club to where we want to be in our plans, and for that and we are extremely grateful. I'm looking forward to seeing the partnership grow further as we move into the Super League and hope that it begins a long and prosperous relationship for both parties." East Kilbride Mini Rugby Club As an integral part of East Kilbride Rugby Club, East Kilbride Mini Rugby Club exists to introduce the game of rugby to children of Primary School age in East Kilbride and the surrounding area.   The Club is focussed on teaching the game of rugby in an environment of fun and safety for children from an range of backgrounds and is run on an entirely voluntary basis, with all coaches and backroom staff giving generously of their time.   Teaching the game of rugby to children in this age group provides a double benefit, not only do the children develop their fitness, coordination, agility and strength, they are encouraged to foster sporting values that are based on fair play and camaraderie.   EKTOA Taxis, as the main sponsors of East Kilbride Mini Rugby Club, provide vital support that enables to development of the children and the Club. Throughout the year, the children train on a Saturday morning at Torrance House Sports Club in Calderglen Country Club.   In addition they play matches, both home an away against other Clubs in central Scotland from Ayr across to Linlithgow.   The highlight of the season is when spring arrives and various clubs hold their annual tournaments inviting other clubs to participate.   East Kilbride regularly participate in tournaments at Strathaven, Dalziel, Cambuslang, Helensburgh, Cartha Queens Park, Ardrossan and Livingston, as well as hosting their own tournament at Torrance House. In addition to the coaching, training and playing, the Mini Rugby Club also run various excursions for the children that have included a visit to the national stadium at Murrayfield, Hughenden, the home of Glasgow Warriors and, every year, an annual summer camp. It gives great satisfaction to everyone involved to see the youngsters develop and grow in the game, however, with over 80 children participating, all of the foregoing costs a lot of money.   Training equipment, playing kit, balls, water bottles, buses, and refreshments for visitors etc all eat into funds, therefore the support of local companies and traders is essential to the growth and development of the Club.   East Kilbride Mini Rugby Club is therefore particularly grateful to East Kilbride Taxi Owners Association who, as the Club's main sponsor, provides vital financial support.   The support from EKTOA Taxis provides vital funding towards playing kit and enables the club to represent the town with pride at the events mentioned above.   East Kilbride Mini Rugby Club is proud to be associated with EKTOA Taxis and looks forward to making EKTOA Taxis proud of the Mini Rugby Club in the 2006/07 season.