Johnstone Burgh have completed all the requirements needed for a Scottish FA Entry Level licence, with the switch-on of the new floodlights at Keanie Park marking the final stage of the process.
The lights were officially switched on ahead of Tuesday night’s match against Auchinleck Talbot by Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron, alongside members of the club’s 1968 Junior Cup-winning team — captain George Caughey and Nicky House.
The moment brought to an end more than two years of work behind the scenes to meet Scottish FA criteria.
Chairman Brian Williams told supporters the club was marking “a historic moment in the club’s history”.
He said: “We’ve had many firsts in the last 12 months — winning the Junior Cup back in June for the first time in 56 years. That covers several generations, so that was a really special day.
“Another first was playing in the Senior Scottish Cup when we played Threave Rovers here back in September. And tonight, in a few minutes, we’ll have another first when we switch on these lights to play the first ever game under the lights at Keanie Park.”
Williams said the progress followed a plan set out when the current ownership took over.
“Some of you might remember we put a statement out about two and a half years ago when Jack and Scott bought the park and the club. We laid out a few things we wanted to do. People mocked us, but inside the club we knew it was something we could achieve with hard work.
“You can see what we’ve done since then. We have a successful team on the park, and if you’ve been indoors you’ll see the amount of work going on there. The stand is up, and in a few seconds the lights will come on.”
Photo: Burgh’s chairman Brian Williams
Photo Credit: Johnstone Burgh
He added that the club’s growth had extended beyond the first team.
“We also have a community club. Two and a half years ago we probably had around 200 kids. Now we have over 350.
“We’re more than just a football club now. We do a lot in the community.”
Turning to the licence application, Williams said: “As of yesterday, the paperwork was submitted to the SFA. Once we play this game tonight, that should complete the final requirement.
“So Lowland League, ladies and gentlemen, here we come.”
The Entry Level licence is required for clubs who wish to participate in Scottish FA competitions and is also a key step for clubs with ambitions of progressing through the senior pyramid structure.
The club confirmed in a statement on its social media that the floodlight switch-on completed the final stage of the process.
It said: “The club are delighted to confirm, that following last night’s successful floodlight switch on, the club has completed all the steps required to meet the Scottish FA Entry level criteria.
“This follows 2 years of hard work and commitment behind the scenes, and the club now await official confirmation from the Licencing Committee and SFA board, of the granting of the SFA Licence.”
Speaking during the ceremony, co-owner Jack Henderson said: “It’s a historic moment for the team and a historic moment for the club.
“For me, the most important aspect has always been the community. Hearing that there are now 350 kids involved is exceptional. This is the next stage in the evolution of Johnstone Burgh.
“What’s happened over the past three years has been incredible, and I’m really excited for the next three years.”
The club now await formal confirmation from the Licensing Committee and the Scottish FA board on whether the licence will be granted.
If approved, it would represent one of the most significant off-field achievements in the club’s modern history.
Photo: Co-owner of Johnstone Burgh, Jack Henderson
Photo Credit: Johnstone Burgh
Headline photograph: (From left to right) Burgh chairman Brian Williams, ceremony host Ricky Kelly, former Burgh captain George Caughey, Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron, former player Nicky House and Burgh co-owner Jack Henderson