It is exciting times ahead for Barrfields Park as Largs Thistle chairman Ali McMaster has revealed that the addition of floodlights to the 94-year-old stadium for the first time is 'very much on the horizon'.
The prospect of night time fixtures is an attractive draw for many clubs including Kilwinning Rangers, Irvine Meadow and Troon who have seen crowds bolstered in a bid to avoid clashing with Old Firm Saturday fixtures.
It also helps with any fixture congestion during the season giving the club the opportunity of midweek fixtures if need be.
Largs managed to get planning permission for floodlights in March 2022, and McMaster says that he is hopeful that the club is not too far away from reaching their long term goal of lighting up the stadium.
Thistle are looking to maximise on its strong form which has seen the club reach an equal all time high of finishing fifth in the West of Scotland Premier League last season under the management of Stuart Davidson and have been investing in the stadium, thanks to help from the Kelburn Wind Farm Trust.
Largs Thistle received £5,000 from the Kelburn Windfarm Trust. This is going towards ground and facility improvement work at Barrfields.
Ali McMaster is pictured receiving the cheque from Drew Cochrane of the Kelburn Wind Farm Trust.
Speaking in the matchday programme, the chairman Ali McMaster said: "The obvious improvements on the park are hopefully being matched with what we are attempting to create behind the scenes with a well-balanced and properly constituted committee in place and the undoubted hard work and commitment and support given by all committee members as well as volunteers, fans and friends.
"Around the stadium we are carrying out small improvements and upgrades when we can and funds permit.
"The main works which are currently ongoing but will be completed very soon are the formation of the long awaited new changing area for the match officials, a new hospitality area for matchdays, new entry cabins and the upgrade of the home changing room to provide a better environment for the players.
"The addition of floodlighting is also very much on the horizon with hopefully only some final few negotiations to be completed before we progress to installation.
"We wish to thank all our sponsors, new and existing, for their support and generous donations - without your backing we just couldn't have achieved even a small fraction of what we have over the last few years. You all know who you are.
"Also a big thanks to Kelburn Windfarm Trust as their grant assisted bringing many of the aforementioned improvements to reality."
The Thistle supremo also stated that he is excited by what the new football season can bring.
He said: "Thankfully Arnie (Stuart Davidson) and his backroom team - with the excellent addition of Kevin Struthers - held on to our emerging talents and managed to supplement the squad even further with a few shrewd signings adding both youth and experience.
"There is no doubt that it is an extra challenge with other teams seemingly having unmatchable budgets that allow regular transfer approaches that we have to hold off - it's a credit to Arnie's dedication and contribution.
"We are delighted to show our thanks to him by hosting a testimonial season for him.
"The football club is also expanding and we welcome new 2010 and 20s youth teams into our setup to complement our 2008s team.
"More and more community groups are becoming involved with Barrfields such as Green Future, dementia, walking football, Street Soccer etc.
"We are always on the lookout for more teams who wish to join our vibrant community., so please get in touch via the Largs Thistle Facebook page if this is of interest.
"Don't forget this is your club and we need the backing of the entire town."
* As double headers go, they don't get much tougher. Largs Thistle face Drumpchapel United on Wednesday August 14 at Barrfields Park in the West of Scotland Premier Division, 7pm kick-off. Drumchapel have a 100 percent record after four matches. Thistle then play league champions Beith at Bellsdale Park on Saturday August 17, 2pm kick-off, in the league.
* The Largs Thistle AGM will take place on the evening on Wednesday September 4 at the fans cabin at Barrfields Park. Keep an eye on the Largs Thistle Facebook and 'X' feed for timing details which are still to be confirmed.
* Largs Thistle under-20s seek players in all positions to bolster their team. Training takes place in Largs on Monday and Wednesday evenings, playing league matches on Friday. Contact coach Nick on 07963 741433 to learn more.
Largs Thistle under-15s have joined the Largs footballing pathway for the new season. Their squad have a few spots for new players born in 2010. Contact Tiffany on 07973 199648 to learn more.
* The 200 Club Winners are as follows: Number 70 - John Boyd - £1000 in July, and Number 29 - Alex McCart - £250 in August.
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