A HOST of Ayrshire Junior Football clubs have applied to be part of a new league with a pathway to the professional game.

Five clubs have confirmed their request to form part of the West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) and enter a pyramid system.

The pyramid system could see Junior clubs enter the Lowland League, where they could follow in the footsteps of the likes of Edinburgh City and gain promotion to the SPFL.

The latest club to announce their application is Beith Juniors, who claimed it was ‘likely’ that all West Region teams will join new division.

On Monday, they confirmed in a statement that they felt applying to the WoSFL for the new season was the “only way forward”.

As football remains closed down due to coronavirus, clubs have still been busy at work behind the scenes to lay foundations for next season.

Each of the West Region Junior Clubs met for crunch talks at Hampden throughout March, with league bosses.

Beith Juniors confirmed that after a meeting with the Pyramid Working Group last week Monday, March 23 they had “no doubt” that applying to be part of the WoSFL was the right move.

The club suggested that all their main rivals in the McBookie Premiership would be taking the same route.

Rivals and giants of the Junior game Auchinleck Talbot have also lodged an application.

Title chasing Talbot say they will remain part of the Scottish Junior FA to continue to compete in the Scottish Junior Cup, which they won again last year.

The club announced their desire to be part of the WoSFL on Tuesday, March 30.

A spokesperson said: “Auchinleck Talbot FC has lodged an application with the Lowland League for membership of the proposed new West of Scotland Football League.

“The club will also retain membership of the Scottish Junior Football Association enabling our continued participation in the Scottish Junior Cup competition.”

The Bot’ like many clubs, were unable to fully consult with their supporters over the move due to the current social distancing measures in place.

Some clubs have confirmed they have held video calls with representatives to discuss possible actions.

Kilwinning Rangers who applied way back on March 15, have been using Facebook Live Q&A’s with fans to discuss what the new league could mean, and if the Buffs will continue their membership with the Scottish Junior FA.

Fierce rivals Irvine Meadow, look set to apply after they held an online vote amongst shareholders on March, 25. On Monday, March 30 the club confirmed that 1,538 voted to join the WoSFL with membership to the Scottish Junior Cup.

Troon Juniors have also lodged their application after they held a supporter’s day on March, 14 to gather feedback from supporters.

A spokesperson for the club said: “We believe this is a significant step forward, both on and off the pitch, with exciting times ahead for everyone connected with the club.”

Another Ayrshire giant, Largs Thistle, looks set to join rivals in the newly formed league.

New Cumnock outfit Glenafton Juniors are also preparing to join.

Outside of the McBookie Premiership, Ayr side Whitletts Victoria have lodged their application. The Championship club reached an agreement between SFA, Lowland League, East and South of Scotland Leagues via a video conference.

All clubs have until April, 7 to apply for entry to the new WosFL.

 

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