GRAND OPENING – SATURDAY 16th AUGUST at 10am
Its with great pleasure, that I can announce the official opening of our long-awaited new clubrooms.
Saturday 16th August @ 10am.
It would be great to have as many for you there as possible. Remember this faciality is for the everyone not just the kids but the coaches, parents and supporters as well.
Please share this far and wide and lets have a cracking start to our new life, in our new home!
Thanks
Darren
Over the weekend our Craigroyston Community YFC 2012’s took part in the Hillfield Swifts 25th anniversary tournament.
There were 6 games in the group stage. Our boys had a great start, going unbeaten first 4 games.
Some great football played- but in the latter games a lot of tired legs and injuries cost them a couple results but they had done enough to compete in the play-off final.
Game finished 1-1 and went straight to pens, with Craigroyston winning 3-2 on pens 
Special mention to Anmol
Wee man received recognition from a lot of other players / coaches and referees resulting in 4 MOTM awards and picking up the Player of the Tournament trophy.
Great day all round – a lot of football and a great start to their pre-season.
Well done to all involved, keep up the hard work 
Darren Monaghan
Hibernian FC is delighted to announce that the East Stand will be renamed as the new Pat Stanton Stand, honouring the legend’s iconic career.
Ahead of the Club’s 150th anniversary, Stanton’s impact on Hibernian FC and Scottish football has been recognised with his name sitting proudly at the top of the old East Stand.
Growing up a Hibs fan and watching from the terraces, Stanton joined his beloved club in 1963 before making his debut shortly after at the tender age of 19 years and 22 days. From that moment on he never looked back.
A calm, composed midfielder, he developed from a talented youngster into one of the best players in the Scottish game going on to win the SFWA Footballer of the Year award in 1969/70.
Establishing himself as a leader on the pitch, Stanton became Hibs captain and helped lead his side to win the Scottish League Cup in December 1972, scoring the opener as Hibs beat Celtic 2-1 at Hampden Park. He also helped lift two Drybrough Cups.
Pat Stanton was known for his ability to read the game, his tackling, and range of passing, and those three qualities were influential as Hibs beat local rivals Hearts 0-7 at Tynecastle in 1973, and recorded memorable victories over Napoli and Sporting Lisbon in Europe.
It was during his time at Hibs where he made his Scotland debut in 1966. He earned 16 caps in total and captained his nation on three occasions.
In 1976, he ended his 13-year spell at his hometown club, and in total made 617 appearances, scoring 78 goals.
After two years at Celtic, over 40,000 people turned out for his testimonial match, celebrating his career. He is regarded as one of Hibernian’s greatest ever players and is widely considered to be one of the finest Scottish players in the history of the game.
After hanging up his boots, Stanton was Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Aberdeen before going on to manage Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline, and then his beloved Hibs. He has been involved with the Club in different capacities ever since.
Hibernian FC Chairman Ian Gordon commented: “It’s with great pride and pleasure that we are honouring Pat Stanton’s amazing contribution to Hibernian FC and Scottish football during our anniversary season.
“The Pat Stanton Stand will serve as a lasting tribute to his achievements and legacy, inspiring future players and supporters for many years to come.
“On behalf of everyone associated with Hibs – the fans, the board, the staff, the players, the entire Hibernian Family – I would like to thank Pat for everything he’s done for the Club.”
Ann Budge has advised the Board that she will be stepping down from her role as Chair of the club in December of this year, following the 2025 AGM. The search for a new Chair is now underway.
Working with the Foundation of Hearts, and with the backing and commitment of the fans, Ann played a vital role in rescuing the club, enabling it to exit from administration in 2014. Since then, she has spent more than a decade driving Hearts forward and has been a pivotal figure in the club’s resurgence.
Under her leadership, and with the financial backing of fans, sponsors and benefactors – once again proud to be associated with Hearts – the club has reestablished itself both on and off the pitch.
We have seen the delivery of a number of major infrastructure projects, including the Museum, the Memorial Garden, a new state-of-the-art pitch, and, of course, the magnificent new Main Stand incorporating the Tynecastle Park Hotel.
Investment in infrastructure has not stopped at Tynecastle, with substantial investment in facilities for our players, at all levels, up at Oriam.
Hearts has also reaffirmed its position as a community champion during Ann’s time in charge. With the saving of our charity, Big Hearts, coupled with the creation of our Community and Heritage Department, Hearts sits firmly at the very heart of the community.
Fans and the local community alike have access to community football for all ages, amazing educational opportunities through our Innovation Centre and a whole range of family support services through Big Hearts.
On the football front, Ann has also overseen the redevelopment of our youth academy, including the creation of our own performance school. She has also been totally committed to helping establish the Women’s game here in Scotland, ensuring comparable facilities for both men and women at Oriam.
During her tenure, our fans have had numerous visits to Hampden to support not just our men’s first team but also our women’s team. They have seen multiple third-place finishes in the league and have enjoyed many memorable European adventures, including the men’s first team securing European football for a historic three years in a row.
Reflecting on her decision to step down, Ann said; “This is something I have thought long and hard about. Having discussed this with the Board, I feel now is the right time to confirm that I intend to step down later this year.
“When I first got involved with the Foundation of Hearts in 2013, I could not have envisaged the journey it would take me on. Initially, the aim was to stabilize the Club before even thinking of growth. Now, 12-years later, as I look at where the club stands, I can allow myself to feel a sense of pride at what we have achieved.
“With Tony Bloom’s investment now complete, and the supporters ensconced as custodians of the club, I believe I have done what I set out to achieve.
“The appropriate time for reminiscing and saying goodbye will come after the AGM in December but until then, my full focus will remain on what it has always been, and that is doing my very best for Hearts and our fans.”
Chief Executive Officer Andrew McKinlay said; “It cannot be overstated just how much Ann has done for Heart of Midlothian and on behalf of everyone at the club, I extend both my thanks and my gratitude.
“As we get closer to December’s AGM we will update our supporters on our succession plans, but for now we will continue to enjoy and benefit from working with Ann until the end of her tenure as the club’s Chair.”
Foundation of Hearts Chairman Gerry Mallon said; “Ann will leave a remarkable legacy when she departs the club and we are extremely fortunate to have had 12 years of her knowledge and experience at the helm of Hearts.
“In particular, her participation during the birth of the Foundation of Hearts can never be downplayed, neither can the instrumental role she played in saving the club from the abyss and taking it back up to the top end of Scottish football.
“For that, I will be forever grateful to Ann, as I’m sure Hearts fans everywhere will be too.”
Funding of £5.5 million for the Extra Time programme, which provides free activities clubs before school, after school and during the school holidays for primary age pupils, will support families on low incomes outwith school.
On a visit to the St Mirren Charitable Foundation’s Extra Time service at Kirklandneuk Primary School in Renfrew, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville saw how the programme is helping parents to get into and stay in work or training, or increase their working hours.
The 2025 Extra Time Evaluation Report, published today by the Scottish FA, highlights the potential for the scheme to support the Scottish Government’s priorities of growing the economy and eradicating child poverty.
Ms Somerville said: “The Extra Time programme is helping us to better understand how providing activities clubs before school, after school and during the holidays can improve outcomes for families on low incomes by supporting parents into work, training, studying or providing respite.
“We are increasing our funding by £1.5 million to invest £5.5 million this year to expand the Extra Time Programme – increasing the number of football clubs and trusts we are working with from 31 to 53. This national programme will provide around 5,000 children and their families on low incomes with access to vital services.
“The evaluation demonstrates that, as well as helping realise our priorities in growing the economy and eradicating child poverty, the Extra Time programme is supporting kids with their school attendance and attainment, helping tackle food insecurity and improving children’s health and wellbeing.”
Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Football Association, said: “Today’s announcement of increased funding for the Extra Time programme is a significant boost, and testament to the success of the initiative and the impact it continues to have on families across the country.
“While this may be a football-based programme, with obvious health and education benefits to children who participate, the positive effects of Extra Time are felt throughout the entire family and it is another example of how the power of football makes a tangible difference across Scotland.
“We are grateful to the Scottish Government for this additional investment which will allow clubs to continue to bring Extra Time to life. It’s a hugely worthwhile programme and something we’re delighted to be involved in.”
BBC ALBA has secured the exclusive rights to air the Scottish Junior Cup Final – the annual tournament labelled the ‘Holy Grail’ in junior football.
Broadcasting from Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, BBC ALBA Spòrs presenter, Micheal Steele, alongside commentator, Alex O’Henley, will bring viewers all the live action as Johnstone Burgh take on Tranent this afternoon (Sunday 1 June).
As both sides battle it out for the coveted piece of silverware, it’s set to be a high-stakes clash in one of junior football’s most prestigious competitions.
Johnstone Burgh midfielder Aaron Mason, who scored the winning goal against Largs Thistle to secure the Renfrewshire-side’s place in the Junior Cup Final for first time in 25 years, said: “It’s a great feeling to be playing in a Scottish Junior Cup Final, and to be part of it with my teammates representing a great football club means a lot. We’ve worked hard all season for this and now we have the chance to go make it count!”
Burgh last made it to the final in 2000 when they faced Whitburn Juniors at Partick Thistle’s Firhill. The game finished 2-2 with the East of Scotland League side going on to win on penalties.
Tranent celebrated reaching the Junior Cup Final for the first time in 90 years after a 3-2 aggregate win over Drumchapel United earlier this month. The East Lothian club have played in the final twice before, losing to Yoker Athletic in 1933 and then lifting the trophy two years later, with a 6-1 victory over Petershill at Ibrox.
Playing in the tournament for the first time since leaving the Junior leagues, Tranent defender, Euan Bauld, said: “It’s a great feeling to be in the final! We’ve had a month to look forward to it so all the boys are buzzing.
“It’s a massive day for the club as it’s 90 years since Tranent last won the Scottish Junior Cup. Hopefully we can do the town proud and bring home the trophy.”
The Junior Cup Final kicks off at 4.05pm, with BBC ALBA coverage from 4pm.
Fiona MacKenzie, BBC ALBA commissioning editor, said: “The Scottish Junior Cup Final is a standout event in BBC ALBA’s spring sporting schedule that showcases the passion and commitment of the players – and their communities – at every level of the game.
“With two passionate clubs, with everything to play for, this year’s final promises all the drama and excitement that makes Junior football so unique and we’re proud to be able to showcase this iconic fixture to a wider audience across our channels.”
Watch the Scottish Junior Cup Final live or on demand on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer:
BBC ALBA is set to air the latest League A UEFA Women’s Nations League fixture as Scotland Women’s National Team (SWNT) continue their campaign against Austria at Hampden tonight (Friday 30 May).
Broadcasting live on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer from 7.25pm ahead of kick off at 7.35pm, fans can join BBC Spòrs reporter and UEFA Scotland correspondent Alex O’Henley to watch the action unfold in this latest meeting between the two international sides. English commentary from Stuart Mitchell and Grant Scott will also be accessible via the ‘Red Button’.
Fiona MacKenzie, BBC ALBA commissioning editor, said: “BBC ALBA has been supporting SWNT’s Nations League campaign since the tournament kicked off earlier this year.
“We – along with so many others across the country – have followed the highs and lows of the international competition, and we’re excited to see how they perform in the penultimate league match against Austria this week.”
Following a 1-0 away defeat against the Austrian side in February, this highly anticipated rematch comes ahead of Scotland’s final second-leg battle against the Netherlands on 3 June at Tilburg.
Watch live or on demand on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer:
“Welcome to Super Strikers!
Edinburgh and Lothians answer to toddler football!
Start at 18 months and going up to 5 years old, Super Strikers offers fun and energetic classes.
With classes at the Royston Wardieburn Community Centre every Friday!
Our sessions help your little one not only improve and learn football skills but also helps builds confidence.
We offer a 3 week trial for all of our classes, across 7 different venues!
Find out more info and how to book here – https://superstrikers.kids.
Friday football!!! 
We are Super excited to have 8 classes on today! 
You can still join us in #Granton or #Morningside in the morning! Or join us in the afternoon in #Bonnyrigg
More info and booking here – https://superstrikers.kids
We can’t wait to see everyone! 
Specsavers has partnered with Scottish international stars, Kirsty Smith and Erin Cuthbert to launch the Best Worst Pitch initiative.
Open to clubs across the UK, the initiative will provide 50 teams who are most in need with professional line painting equipment and GPS pitch mapping, pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to help them maintain their pitches through the next season and beyond.
Clear and accurate line markings are vital not just for ensuring structure and fairness in the game, but also for helping players and officials navigate the pitch-enhancing visibility, spatial awareness, and overall safety throughout play.
Kirsty Smith added: “Grassroots football is the heart and soul of the game. It’s important that we back the communities and dedicated volunteers who keep it running.
“I remember how tough it was playing on a rough pitch, but it didn’t hold me back, it just made me realise how important these pitches are.
This is a campaign I’m really proud of – The Best Worst Pitch initiative will ensure that pitches are in the best condition possible so that everyone can enjoy using them.”
The announcement comes as UK football governing bodies have recently highlighted that maintaining grassroots pitches across the UK is one of the main issues facing the sport.
With councils stretched for funding, the responsibility for maintaining club pitches, often falls on dedicated members of the grassroots football community.
It’s a challenge Specsavers has seen up close, having renewed its’ sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA, to become the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner.
The deal will see the 24-year partnership continue for the rest of the season as Specsavers strives to support the growth of Scottish football in both the men’s and women’s game.
Erin Cuthbert added: “I called my papa “Net Man”. He’s no longer with us but he was always there, two hours early putting the nets up and sorting the pitch out.
“It’s little efforts like that that keep grassroots football alive. It’s absolutely vital that we get it right at this level so that young players can improve and have a better chance of succeeding in the sport.”
Specsavers have also documented the difficulties of grassroots teams through the Best Worst Team campaign—highlighting the real struggles faced at pitch level and further underlining the brand’s long-standing commitment to supporting the grassroots football community.
Speaking about the struggles of pitch maintenance, Chairman of current Specsavers Best Worst Team, Tunley Athletic, Craig Doughty said: “It’s a real slog sometimes – every week, rain or shine, I’m out there doing two full laps of the pitch just to get the lines marked.
“The equipment we’ve got is ancient—it clogs, it leaks, and it takes twice as long as it should. On dark evenings or when the wind’s howling, it feels like it takes forever. But I do it because I love this club—it means everything to the community.”
In addition to providing equipment, Specsavers is also offering training and education to the selected clubs—aiming to tackle some of the long-term challenges faced by grassroots teams and the volunteers who maintain their pitches.
The ultimate goal is to improve the quality and longevity of these pitches, ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy them for many matches to come.
Kim Bull, PR and Social Lead, commented: “Over the last two seasons supporting clubs that need a bit of help with their eyes and ears, as well as their game, we’ve noticed the effort that goes into keeping grassroots clubs running.
“People like Craig, who quietly put in the hard work behind the scenes to keep pitches playable, is what grassroots football is all about.
“This initiative means we can support more clubs and communities, like Tunley.
“By making faded lines more visible, we’re helping players to see the beautiful game more clearly. And hopefully make fewer mistakes!”
To have a chance of being part of the Best Worst Pitch initiative and help improve the quality of your local club’s football pitch, apply online here.
Good afternoon @everyone
The club is looking to add to the coaching team.
If you know of any Parents, Uncles, Aunties, Brothers, Sisters, friends of the family etc, that may be interested then please reach out.
Alternately ask them to speak to myself (on below details) or Colin Dudgeon when down at the pitches.
Thanks,
Daz
