BOSSES at a Peeblesshire village football club are hoping that expansion will result in a sporting hub the area “can be proud of”.

It has been an exciting few weeks at West Linton side Linton Hotspur after the club was accepted into the East of Scotland Football Association pyramid in June.

A retrospective planning bid has been launched with the council this week over an extension to the pavilion.

The plans were filed retrospectively due to the “very short” timescales to upgrade facilities after being given the green light to join the pyramid structure.

A statement submitted with the plans said: “Linton Hotspur FC has been an integral part of the local community since its re-establishment in 2008.

“Over the years, the club has evolved from a single men’s senior team into a multi-age group sports club, catering to boys and girls, men, and women, from the age of four upwards.

“The club’s commitment to growth and improvement has led to several challenges which have now been overcome with the acquisition of their own facilities at New Moor Road under a 99-year lease.

“In order to facilitate this growth and moving into higher football leagues, the club requires additional and improved facilities including more changing rooms for the football academy, separate changing facilities for match officials, along with enhanced meeting room and medic room facilities.”

The current pavilion has a function room/café with a kitchen, and home and away changing rooms complete with shower and toilet facilities.

The basis of the clubhouse is a large portacabin which makes it difficult to extend, according to the statement.

It adds: “The proposed extension is formed using two additional portacabin structures, measuring 35.5 sq.m. and 29.5 sq.m. internally linked externally by altering and extending the existing decked area.

“These new facilities will accommodate changing facilities for match officials, a first aid room, club office, storage, and a boardroom.

“The extension will not only enhance the operational capabilities of the club but also unlock further opportunities for funding and provide improved services to existing club members.

“Additionally, two new changing rooms will be provided in shipping containers. These proposed extensions to the existing facilities are part of the club’s development plan, focusing on improving infrastructure to support the growth of Linton Hotspur FC.

“The extension aims to address key needs and enhance the user experience for club members and visitors alike. Linton Hotspur FC anticipates future growth in membership and participation levels. The fully accessible design ensures inclusivity and equal opportunities for all, while the club’s commitment to sustainability is evident in previous energy-efficient upgrades.

“The integration of the proposed cabins with the existing pavilion with the external decking and, longer term, the upgrading of the cladding and windows, ensures a cohesive and visually appealing complex.

“The resulting pavilion will not only enhance the facilities available to club members but also create a sporting hub that the village of West Linton can be proud of.”