Colony Park Football Club - based in Inverurie - is to mark the occasion with a special fun day on Sunday, June 1.

When, in 1978, Wattie Strachan, Robbie Gibb, Dod Reid and the late Frank Hildreth were asked by their youngsters to start a local boys football team in Inverurie, they could hardly have imagined that 30 years later it would have evolved into one of the biggest youth football organisations in the country.

To celebrate 30 years some of the original "boys" are coming back to play in a seven-a-side match against today's Colony Coaching staff. For the likes of Barry Gibb, who was one of the originals, he may have to switch sides at half time as he now manages Colony Under 14s.

Barry will be joined by Martin Strachan and George Reid, also sons of the founders, along with some of the other "originals"; but so far the managers' side is being kept a close secret as there are a number of eager coaches vying for a place in the line-up.

From small beginnings in 1978 with a squad of seven boys, by 1988 the Club were well established at Under 15, 13 and 11s age groups in the Central Grampian Boys League and also development squads at Under 9s with nearly 100 boys.

Ten years later the Club was transformed further with almost 300 boys. By then the club had entered the Aberdeen Juvenile set up with teams at every age from 11s to 17s, sometimes even having two teams in one age group.

In 2000 the Club changed its name from Colony Park Boys Club dropping the word Boys in favour of the word Football in recognition of the need for further development of girls football, which the Club had always encouraged and fostered.

The new millennium saw numbers continue to grow and this necessitated a greatly increased organisation, with many prominent local figures guiding the Club towards continued growth and success. Membership now stands at around 400.

Over the years the Club has regularly sent teams to play in Holland, along with visits to Shetland, Norwich, Wick, Largs, Newcastle and Manchester. The Club has also been prominent in the development of facilities and indeed made the first contribution to the Garioch Sports Centre. They have also encouraged many parents to attend SFA coaching and first aid courses to help develop skills.

Dave Mitchell, Football Secretary, speaking on the 30th Anniversary, said that the Club decided to hold an open Fun Day and was hopeful that many of the 1,000 plus former players and parents who had been involved over the last 30 years would get the opportunity to meet up again in this special year.

On the day, as well as the special match, there will be many activities taking place between 1pm and 4pm, such as Beat the Goalie, Soak the Coach stocks, face painting, bouncy castle, a Buckin Bronco, music and MC, parents v players in fancy dress, penalty shoot outs, a barbecue and drinks. There will also be six pitches for various teams to use for five, six or seven-a-side matches.

Dod Reid MBE, Honorary President said: "It is great to see the Club achieve this milestone and it's hard to believe 30 years have passed so quickly. It's a testament to the so many parents and players, committed individuals and sponsors that the Club is still going strong.

"As Inverurie has grown, so has the number of boys and girls showing an interest in football and the Club gives them the chance to enjoy the game at the level of their capabilities and builds a team spirit and friendships that last for many years to come."

He added: "Everyone involved in the Club should be immensely proud of what has been achieved over the years. I hope there is a great turn out of many 'weel kent' faces on June 1, and here's to the next 30 years!"
The Colony Football Club 30th Anniversary Fun Day will take place at Strathburn Park, Inverurie on Sunday, June 1, between 1pm and 4pm.