Steins Thistle AFC was established in 1972 as an adult amateur football team formed out of an ex-works team at Steins Brickworks in the village of Allandale. In 2000 the Club started its youth structure with 2 teams at under 10s and under 11s and has grown its children’s and youth’s offering since.Around 2005 the Club embarked on achieving SFA Quality Mark Scheme accreditation and Community status was eventually achieved in 2010 under Falkirk Steins FC – a Partnership with Falkirk FC’s Community Foundation. The Club also gained Charitable status in 2007 when the name was changed to Steins Thistle Club.Steins has gradually grown to its present format of five kids teams at fun fours and sevens, five youth teams up to and including 21s and an adult amateur team. A very recent addition is our over 35s sessions on a Sunday evening which after only a few weeks are attracting 30 senior players.Total Club membership is in the region of 250 with approximately 35 qualified coaches and many additional volunteers making this all happen.In 2011 we were fortunate to be awarded a Cashback for Facilities Grant from proceeds of crime which allowed us to build a 50M by 30M 3G astro training area at our home pitch, with upgraded floodlighting and security fencing. This has given us a community facility that can be used by all teams all year round. During the above process we were introduced to Stuart McCaffrey at the Scottish Football Partnership regarding various potential funding options. From discussions a grant application was put together to support the Club in acquiring the necessary maintenance equipment for the astro facility and the economics of buying this were clearly displayed and accepted by SFP. Graham Wright the Club’s Treasurer said”The Scottish Football Partnership grant award along with a contribution from our own funds has allowed the Club to purchase this much needed equipment. Outsourcing this regular maintenance work would have cost the Club approx £2,800 per annum so the economies are not difficult to calculate. SFP were very easy to deal with and supportive of what Steins have done in the past and are trying to do in the future. We are extremely thankful for their support.”
