Ayrshire clubs share delight at licence grants

(Image: Troon Football Club)

Football clubs in Ayrshire have expressed their delighted at being recommended for licencing by the Scottish Football Association.

Troon, Beith Juniors, and Largs Thistle, who all play in the West of Scotland Premier Division, shared the news this week for Entry Level licences from the public body.

Division One Whitletts Victoria also got confirmation to be granted their licence, and believe it is a moment of “incredible pride” in their journey.

The clubs also thanked the hard work to “tick all the boxes” from everyone connected with them in improving stadium infrastructure to help achieve the upgrades.

Beith, who hosted a special floodlight switch-on at Bellsdale Park in January, took to social media to share their joy of the milestone.

The club’s X post said: “Today marks a historic day for the club. This follows a prolonged period of hard work behind the scenes at Bellsdale Park to comply with the licencing standards and a successful audit of the ground and our administrative processes in January.

“We have overcome many hurdles throughout that period and are extremely grateful to everyone who has assisted us along the way.”

North Ayrshire rivals Largs, who hosted a “Floodlight Friday” in September against Beith, have achieved the criteria to qualify for the licence, but currently are at the “final phase” before securing it.

The news came across as “excellent” for Premier Division leaders Troon, who also acknowledged the influence of club figures in getting them to this stage.

A spokesperson from the Seasiders said: “This is a culmination of a lot of hard work at the club from a number of people, mainly club chairman Jim Kirkwood and club secretary Richard Henderson.

“It is a recognition of an investment in facilities, a strong organisation and rising standards across the board, and we are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition.”

Largs Thistle will attend a meeting on April 23 where the SFA will grant them member status before a later AGM for the club to receive the licence.

Fixtures this weekend, following the positive news, sees the Theesel head to face Renfrew as Beith host Shotts Bon Accord in the Premier Division.

Troon face Division One side Irvine Meadow in the League Cup semi final in North Ayrshire.