It’s official - Bo’ness, Camelon and Dunipace join SFA

The sport’s governing body rubber-stamped the applications at the annual meeting this month and all three clubs made their announcements at the weekend.

They’ll each be eligible to compete in the senior Scottish Cup as Association members and the news will also strengthen United’s claim for promotion into the Lowland League.

Ratification is the final step for the clubs’ transition from the junior ranks and a notice will be delivered next week informing the clubs of their membership start date.

Camelon secretary Tony Smith said: “This is a great way to start our centenary season. On behalf of the committee thanks to all who have supported us on this journey.

“We’ve done all the hard work ourselves, and without external funding. It’s been a labour of love and we’re delighted to be members.”

Dunipace moved over from the west region junior ranks to join the east side but in their absence the West of Scotland League has been formed to mirror the progressive and successful East of Scotland League.

Like Camelon they fulfilled the licence requirements earlier this year and awaited Thursday’s meeting for the thumbs up.

The Westfield club extended their congratulations to the other succesful candidates “in particular our friends and near neighbours at Camelon and Bo’ness, the latter whom we hope to offer further congratulations on promotion to the Lowland League following their licence award”.

Their award has been two years in the making. Chairman Stephen Tait said: “The effort put in by so many at Dunipace FC over several years has seen a number of positive developments recently, including the modernisation of Westfield Park, a move to play in the East of Scotland Football league, strengthening of our player pathway and I believe a real improvement in the quality of our first team.

“Since the completion of the initial phase of Westfield Park improvements it has been our goal to conclude our SFA membership application. I would like to thank Brian and Stuart from the SFA license department who have helped us on our journey.

“It’s another milestone reached by the club and we all look forward to taking part in the Scottish Cup in hopefully the very near future.”

First team manager Gary MacMillan: “I’m delighted with the news. It’s another big step forward for the club and something that everyone connected with Dunipace should rightly be proud.

“The club is unrecognisable from only a few short years ago. With the new ground, the growth of our youth setup both boys and girls, our development side producing players for the first team and now the prospect of Dunipace taking part in the Scottish Cup when football can start again, we’ve certainly come a long way in a short time.

“The committee deserve a huge amount of credit for the recent progress.”

Bo’ness were also granted membership and are poised for promotion to the Lowland League.


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