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Southside club becomes SFA licensed as fans thanked for fundraising efforts

Southside club becomes SFA licensed as fans thanked for fundraising efforts
Southside club becomes SFA licensed as fans thanked for fundraising efforts

A SOUTHSIDE football club has thanked fans after the installation of floodlights has helped the team become an SFA licensed club.

Pollok FC was granted entry-level membership from the SFA, following a recent meeting of the board.

This will allow the club to be promoted to the Lowland League if they were to win the West of Scotland Premier Division and also grants the team access to the Scottish Cup.

Pollok FC has competed in the competition twice before, but not since 2008 when they lost 1-0 to Spartans in a replay.

READ MORE: Exciting work underway at Pollok Football Club as fans donate more than £11k

The recent promotion will help increase the club's profile and allow them to test themselves against Scotland's top teams.

However, it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of fans who raised more than £20,000.

Requirements to become SFA licensed meant the club needed to install new toilets, a disabled shelter, new signage and most importantly, floodlights.

Paul Regan, minute secretary at Pollok FC, said: "The installation of the floodlights could not have been achieved without the support of almost 300 donors to our GoFundMe appeal which raised in excess of £20,000.

“This support is greatly appreciated by the club and we hope to repay the fans' generosity on the field in the seasons to come."

Glasgow Times: The club's new floodlights
Glasgow Times: The club's new floodlights

The club's new floodlights

The fan-owned community club was formed in 1908 and was based in Pollok Park until 1926, making Newlandsfield Park their home in 1928.

Graham Milne, club president, said: "Fulfilling the licensing requirements was a significant task both in terms of the investment in the physical infrastructure of the Newlandsfield ground and a huge amount of administrative work.

“Special mention must go to committee member Garry Cullen who put in hundreds of hours to ensure the club met the significant administrative requirements for SFA membership.

Glasgow Times: Garry Cullen, left, Graham Milne, right
Glasgow Times: Garry Cullen, left, Graham Milne, right

Garry Cullen, left, Graham Milne, right

"This was recognised by a special award given to Garry by the club in recognition of his outstanding efforts."

Pollok finished third in the inaugural West of Scotland Premier Division last season and will be hoping to challenge for the title and promotion next season.