A TREASURE trove of memorabilia, illustrating the rich and fascinating history of junior football in North Ayrshire is now on show.

The North Ayrshire Heritage Centre in Saltcoats plays host to a celebration of the game across the community in an exhibition which was launched by legendary Lisbon Lion Bobby Lennox last night.

It opens to the public today and has everything you need to know about the game's grass roots in the community.

Taking pride of place are personal mementoes from Lisbon Lion and Celtic legend Bobby Lennox, who was born and bred in Saltcoats and still lives in the town.

Bobby started out his career with Ardeer Recreation before signing for Celtic at the age of 18 in 1961, where he enjoyed a glorious career which saw him become the club’s second-highest goalscorer of all time and a European Cup winner in 1967. 

The exhibition also features a wealth of souvenirs and keepsakes linked to junior football in North Ayrshire covering our local clubs – Ardeer Thistle, Ardrossan Winton Rovers, Beith Juniors, Dalry Thistle, Irvine Meadow, Irvine Victoria, Kilbirnie Ladeside, Kilwinning Rangers, Largs Thistle and Saltcoats Victoria.

There are a number of hidden treasures in the exhibition including letters from Aberdeen to Dalry Thistle relating to future Aberdeen and Scotland goalkeeper Jim Leighton’s move to senior football in 1977.

Space has been dedicated to each club with medals, trophies, photographs and interesting papers all available to see – and there’s even a commemorative spittoon marking Saltcoats Victoria’s 1925 Scottish Junior Cup success. 

The exhibition marks the re-opening of the heritage centre following extensive repair work to the building’s roof. 

Cabinet Member for Communities, Louise McPhater, said: “We’re delighted that the heritage centre is once again open to the public and what better way to mark the occasion than by celebrating our area’s historic junior football teams.

“With a history that spans over a century, there are many stories to tell and a wealth of objects, cups and photographs belonging to the clubs who have been generous with their time and with loaning their objects.

“I’m sure the exhibition will be of huge interest to all followers of junior football and will also be fascinating to non-football fans."

The Junior Football in North Ayrshire exhibition is open to the public on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9.30am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm and on the last Saturday of each month.