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THE COMMUNITY FOOTBALL CLUB

At the heart of youth football in Stirling since 1977

Living the Legacy

Founded in 1977 by Richard Taylor (a.k.a old Dick), Carse Thistle is a well-known name in Scottish youth football, synonymous with unearthing talent including Duncan Ferguson.

For over 30 years Dick was committed to giving youngsters the opportunity to get involved with a football team. He dedicated his life to the sport and was passionate about Carse Thistle until he passed away in November 2011. Dick was a truly great man who is spoken of and remembered so fondly, by so many people in the Stirling area.

In his honour the club has been relaunched by dedicated volunteers, ensuring that all local children that wish to play football are able to do so and that the legacy of Carse Thistle continues on.

‘Mr Carse Thistle’ Dick Taylor being awarded the “Best Volunteer in Youth Football” by Kenny Dalglish

Dick Taylor SFA

Our Story

In 2013, with no teams registered, Carse Thistle was relaunched by a group of ex-coaches who had witnessed several age groups fold in recent years.

We’ve been quietly rebuilding Carse Thistle from the ground up. It’s time now to start sharing our story…

We’re in the midst of a 10 year strategy to  restore Carse Thistle back to the force it once was within the Stirling football community!

We’ve created 3 new age groups – 2006, 2007 and 2008  (with more to follow over the next few years).

Carse Thistle is a club that means alot to so many people in Stirling. We’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported us so far – especially our amazing volunteers!

All of our age groups are registered with the SFYA and play in the FVFDA league.

Playing in the FVFDA (The Forth Valley Football Development Association) development league means that we focus on player development, not on scores. You will find our teams playing each Saturday morning at Forthbank, Recreation Park Alloa or at the Raploch Campus.

The FVFDA publishes fixtures on their website so you will always know where your team will be playing and at what time, week-to-week.

FVFDA website

As part of our affiliation to the FVFDA and SYFA we have to make sure our age groups are structured properly with the correct accreditations, child protection and first aid policies in place.

We have also recently been approved and awarded the Scottish FA Quality Mark Standard Award. This has been a good process for the re-building of this great club that now gives us the foundations to develop further whilst ensuring relevant standards are in place.

SFA Quality Mark

Our Structure

Leading the way

We have established a club committee to implement the new strategy, overseeing the development of new teams and supporting each age group committee.

The club leaders have been involved with Carse Thistle for a number of years and aim to be the link between the past and the future.

Club Leaders

  • Gary Gillan

    Club Chairman

    Gary has coached at Carse Thistle for over a decade and our founder, Dick Taylor was a dear friend of his. Gary built a hugely successful Carse side which won many titles and even went a full season unbeaten! Gary gives alot of time to supporting our teams and is our man on the ground. Always there at training and matchdays.

  • Alexandra McKenna

    Trustee

  • Thomas McKenna

    Club Secretary

    Thomas started playing with Carse at 8 years old and was part of a very successful Carse team that won many trophies. Himself winning ‘Player of the Year’ and other awards over the years. He became a coach at 18 and has been involved with the coaching/administration side of things since then. He’s the paperwork man!

  • Caroline Stuart

    Trustee

Our Teams

The current age groups we have created…

2006’s

Our 2006’s were the first team created under the new club structure and strategy.

We currently have a squad of 18 players playing 11-a-side each Saturday morning.

The 2006’s train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Wallace High School astroturf.

  • William Adam

    Head Coach

  • Lisa Cook

    Secretary
    First Aid
    Child Protection Officer

  • Bob Devine

    Coach

2007’s

Our 2007’s currently have a squad of 16 players playing in one 9-a-side team each Saturday morning.

The 2007’s train on Tuesday evenings at Wallace High School astroturf and Thursday night at Alloa Academy .

  • James Henderson

    Head Coach

  • Matthew Strutt

    Coach
    First Aider
    Child Protection Officer

  • Mark Steward

    Coach

  • Kenny McAndrew

    Coach

  • David Stevenson

    Coach

  • Susan Watson

    Secretary

2009’s

Our 2009’s are the newest team created under the new club structure and strategy.

Our 2009’s currently have a squad of 12 players playing for one 7-a-side team each Saturday morning.

The 2009’s train on a Monday evening at Raploch Campus astroturf 6-7pm and Thursdays at Forthbank 7-8pm.

  • Gary Gillan

    Head Coach/Secretary

  • Graham Anderson

    Coach

Our Sponsors

A huge thank you to our current sponsors

Hescott Engineering (a leading steel fabrication company in Scotland) are our newest sponsor for 2018, funding a new matchday kit, training kit and new drill tops for our 2007’s.

Donaldson Timber Engineering

Donaldson Timber Engineering currently sponsor (co-funded with Cullen) our 2008’s age group, providing new training and matchday kits for the boys.

Cullen Logo

Cullen supported Donaldson Timber Engineering in the sponsorship of our 2008’s age group – providing new training and matchday kits for the boys.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch.

Latest on Facebook

Check out posts from our Page!

Carse Thistle FC

11 months ago

Carse Thistle FC

Our 2007's are on the lookout for new talent to add to our squad! If your child was born in 2007 and is interested in joining our football team, we're holding open trials over the summer. Please get in touch by emailing info@carsethistle.co.uk or PM us ⚽ We train on Tuesday & Thursday evenings in Stirling and play on Saturday mornings. (Previous experience of playing for a team desirable) ... See MoreSee Less

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Carse Thistle FC

1 years ago

Carse Thistle FC

As it's Volunteers' Week, it's time to shine a light on all our amazing volunteers at Carse Thistle FC 🤗 Without your dedication and enthusiasm, our club simply wouldn't exist and local kids would miss out on great life-long experiences! You all give up so much and ask for nothing in return - except to see players happy and learning. On behalf of all our players and parents, THANK YOU!! volunteersweek.org/ #VolunteersWeek ... See MoreSee Less

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Useful Information

Documents and links for parents

Contact Us

If you are interested in joining Carse Thistle as a player or volunteer, use the form below to get in touch.