A lot of hard work has been put into Vale of Leithen FC in recent times and this is being rewarded with a growing role in their local community. Football Focus Magazine recently caught up with their Chairman Stuart Robertson to find out more about the fine set up that they currently have in place.
He told us, “I have been involved with the club throughout my full life, as a spectator, player, manager and now chairman. The most challenging aspect of football today is raising the finances to keep the club in business, and most rewarding is to see the team maintain its position in the Scottish Professional Pyramid System.”
“The general mood in the club this season is very buoyant due to the increase in local spectators and a rise in sponsorship and advertising revenue. On the playing field this season the club has suffered badly due to major injury problems with main players. Our plans for 2018 are to continue with the financial progress the club has made and to improve the quality of the team with a bigger budget which is essential at this level.
“The rearing of young players is essential to the club in terms of both the performance of the team and preparing them for moving up to a higher grade, which also helps the finances of the club if we can get a transfer fee for them.
“We look to help youngsters transition into the senior game by making them feel part of the team from the start and hopefully teaching them good habits. Our manager is also involved in his personal business which teaches football to all age groups. We are a community club and try to involve as many kids as possible. All kids under 16 have free admittance at all games.
“As the Pyramid System expands it will be harder to complete as more and more teams with wealthy backers are joining the leagues to advance to the senior Scottish Leagues. It is our ambition over the next five years to maintain our position in the Pyramid System, especially the Lowland League.”
It is clearly an exciting time for everyone involved with Vale of Leithen FC. If they continue in the same manner then they should be able to look forward to a bright and successful future for many years to come and everyone at Football Focus Magazine wishes them the best of luck.