ONE of Scottish non-league football's most prestigious competitions could include some very different names next season.
The Scottish Junior FA has announced the Scottish Junior Cup will be opened up to "guest participation" in 2024/25.
Up till now, Junior Cup participation has only been open to SJFA members.
That meant some clubs, who opted to forego their SJFA membership when the new regional West of Scotland Football League was formed, were no longer eligible to compete in the tournament.
The SJFA, which still runs league competitions in Dundee, Angus and Aberdeenshire along with the Junior Cup, only recently announced that it had accepted membership applications from Aberdeen University, Dunipace, Neilston and Renfrew, all of whom are returning to the SJFA fold, along with new members Drumchapel United, Giffnock and Westdykes.
A spokesperson said: "Applications are open to participate in this coming season's Scottish Junior Cup.
"Get involved and take part in our historic Cup competition, compete for the fourth oldest trophy in world football."
No further clarity has been provided on whether 'guest clubs' would have to meet certain criteria to participate.
A number of Scottish amateur football clubs have enquired on whether they would be welcomed, while some observers have suggested the move could open up the competition to clubs outside of Scotland, in the same manner as the senior Scottish Challenge Cup, which has included guest participants from outside Scotland since 2016, but which will revert next season to being for Scottish clubs alone.
Clubs who are interested in participating are asked to contact SJFA secretary Kenny Young on kennie.young@scottish-football.com.
The deadline for applications to be submitted is Wednesday, June 19.
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