The SFA today announced the twelve clubs which will compete in the new Scottish Lowland Football League from next season. They are: Spartans FC, Threave Rovers FC, Preston Athletic FC, Gretna FC (2008), Whitehill Welfare FC, Dalbeattie Star FC, East Kilbride FC, Selkirk FC, Gala Fairydean Rovers FC, Edinburgh City FC, University of Stirling FC and Vale of Leithen FC. An initial 27 clubs expressed an interest in being considered for the new league with a total of 17 formal applications received.The Project Steering Group, made up of SFA Executive, Licensing Committee and club representatives, selected the 12 clubs based on their ability to meet SFA club licensing criteria. Three clubs - Spartans, Threave Rovers and Preston Athletic - are currently licensed member clubs, and the remaining nine, who have detailed plans in place, must comply by May 2015. This decision will be ratified by the SFA Board at its meeting on 27th June.Scottish FA chief executive, Stewart Regan, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for all 12 clubs, and another step forward for league reconstruction in Scotland. It’s important that ambitious clubs are given opportunities to progress. With the Scottish Lowland Football League running in tandem with the Scottish Highland Football League from next season, we are on track to create a pyramid system feeding into the senior leagues. The hard work now continues with the creation of the new league board, appointment of office bearers and detailed planning ahead of the start of the new season in August. On behalf of the Scottish FA, I wish all 12 clubs the very best of luck for the new season and beyond."The inaugural General Meeting of the Scottish Lowland Football League will be held on Monday 24th June, when board members will be selected and further detailed planning will commence. Pending the formation of the new Scottish Professional Football League, play-offs between the bottom division and the Scottish Lowland Football League and Scottish Highland Football League are planned to commence at the end of season 2014/15.
Source: ScottishFitba
Source: FOOTYMAD
