The agreement will enable Fir Park Corner, a registered Scottish charity, to establish the pitch and pavilion as a central hub for their teams, which currently include an amateur team, an over-35s team, and four children’s teams.

The group received a further boost after becoming the first recipients of the Community Asset Fund which can be put towards improvement works.

Club chairman David Fraser said: “The money we’ve received will enable us to accelerate the works we had planned; we’ll be able to fully revamp the pavilion and relay the carpark. We’re absolutely delighted to receive the £100,000 of funding. We want to make it a great place to play football and a welcoming place for the whole community.”

By securing ownership, the club can expand its offerings for all ages and add community events that bring people in the area together.

“The aim of the fund is to make it easier for community organisations to take on council owned assets where it’s in the interest of local communities and fits with local priorities,” explained Councillor Geraldine Woods, Convener of the Communities committee.

“Organisations can apply for up to £100,000 on successful acceptance of a community ownership or management application.”

Fir Park Corner’s successful bid was bolstered by strong community support, with over 350 residents backing the club’s plans and recognising the benefits of a community-focused facility dedicated to health, fitness, and local engagement.

Community Asset Transfers encourage community-based groups to take control of assets to be used for positive outcomes as driven and directed at a local level.

And the club will now start to carry out improvements to the site, including upgrades to the pitch, pavilion, and surrounding facilities, ensuring it becomes a highly-valued community resource for years to come.

Councillor Woods added: “This transfer is a fantastic example of how community asset ownership can bring fresh life to a facility that was under-used.

“Fir Park Corner’s vision and dedication to supporting our community’s health and wellbeing is inspiring, and I look forward to seeing how they will use their new facility for the benefit of local people of all ages.”

The club aims to nurture a community spirit and provide more opportunities for local involvement in sport, promoting wellbeing and collaboration.

Their mission states: “We exist to enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of as many people as possible in our local community with absolutely no discrimination or barriers, while remaining as competitive as possible in a sporting sense.

“We want to represent our area proudly on the pitch and off it, supporting local causes and charities both financially and through our actions.”

Looking to the future, the club’s ambitious plans for the site also include developing women’s and additional youth teams, ensuring people of all backgrounds have access to the benefits of organised sport in a dedicated, locally-owned facility.

Community groups who are interested in taking over the running and management of their facility should email nlccommunityownership@northlan.gov.uk to find out more.