Concerns have been growing over the lack of investment in local sport within Innerleithen for some years.

And hopes are high that this fledgling body can reverse the trend.

Officials from Vale of Leithen, Leithen Rovers and Leithen Vale as well as local athletics schools have already sat around the table.

And next week a pathway will be forged, with the help of consultancy group PMR Leisure, on Wednesday (April 9) in the Union Club.

Jack Diamond, chairman of Vale of Leithen, told us: “When you look at the facilities we have in Innerleithen they are second rate.

“There has been differences between the various clubs in the past, but we want to put all the history and politics behind us and forge a combined way forward.

“We produced a basic brochure to give to the consultants and they believe we are already ahead of the game in they way we are thinking.

“But we need everybody to come on board and become involved - there’s no point in just a handful of people taking this forward.” The initial meeting just over a fortnight ago attracted almost 40 officials, coaches, parents and players.

As well as Mr Diamond, the group includes Paul Graham from Leithen Rovers, Lenny Rathie of Leithen Vale and athletics coach Charlie Russell.

Jack believes that 2014 is the perfect time to go looking for substantial investment.

He added: “We have the Commonwealth Games in this country yet we have some of the best athletes in the country training on roads using car lights because there’s no facilities in Innerleithen.

“It’s the same with the football. When you look at Spartans and Gala Fairydean Rovers, we are in the dark ages. Sport is a big deal in Innerleithen and we need to tell everyone just how big a deal it is.” Next Wednesday’s Innerleithen Sports Initiative meeting in the Union Club will start at 7pm.