CLYDEBANK have been unveiled as the latest junior side to be awarded the SFA Standard Quality Mark.

This follows a year long process which has seen the club showcase that it is a frontrunner both on and off of the pitch.

Uptake of the Quality Mark amongst the junior ranks has been particularly slow since its introduction but Clydebank were keen to get involved in the initiative.

Clydebank secretary Matt Bamford explained: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been awarded with the Quality Mark as it shows that we are hard at work trying to improve the standards at the club.

“To be given the Mark clubs must show that they are soundly run off the park, both financially, environmentally and complying to health and safety regulations.

“We have also taken steps on the park to make sure we are promoting the game in the right manner.

“Our players all sign a code of conduct which is a set of basic rules they should follow — for example not talking back to referees, all things that they really shouldn’t be doing anyway when they display good sportsmanship. This is signed by our club captain Austin McCann on behalf of all the players.

“Our coaches also sign something similar stating that they won’t discriminate against any one player.

“We had to meet up with the regional development officer on a regular basis and now we have been recognised we will continually review our club to make sure we are keeping up our standards.” With the SFA trying to promote the mark as much as possible, Bamford revealed the club are also in line to benefit financially as a result of their award.

The game’s governing body are currently awarding £300 worth of sports vouchers to clubs who are recognised with the Quality Mark, but Bamford insisted the benefits don’t stop there.

He added: “It is something that will benefit the club in the long term.

“When clubs apply for funding they have to go through SportsScotland and the first thing they will do is ask the SFA development team if a team is a part of this.

“Now if they say yes then you get put to the top of the pile, if no then you are dunted to the bottom and left to feed off of whatever is left.

“Some in the long term the club as a whole will reap the benefits of the work that has been carried out over the last few years.”