SJFA set to ramp up Junior Cup Final prize money under proposals to increase number of clubs

SJFA chiefs are set to ramp up the prize for next season’s Scottish Junior Cup winners to a record £20,000 as they propose opening the competition to non-member clubs for one season only.

The news comes on the eve of this season’s final between Cumnock and Rutherglen Glencairn at Broadwood Stadium on Friday evening.

The famous trophy, which has been contested for almost 140 years, remains one of the most prestigious pieces of silverware outwith the professional game in Scotland.

Current holders Auchinleck Talbot have lifted the cup a record 14 times but were dumped in the last 16 by local rivals Cumnock who are hoping to get their hands on the trophy for a third time.

This season’s prize for the winners sits at £12,000. But under a proposal put to member clubs that will almost double for next year’s competition which could see one of the biggest entries with all clubs from tier 5 downwards invited to apply.

An SJFA spokesman said: “Next season we are proposing no fees from our member clubs for the fourth year running and a once only offer to any clubs outwith Junior membership to give them free entry to participate in our great tournament as we believe they will see a benefit in it going forward.

"We believe this is an attractive proposition for a truly national trophy."

The proposed change to the prize pot will also see the runner-up banking £10,000, losing semi-finalists £5000, losing quarter finalists £1000 and £500 to each of the teams knocked out in the last 16 plus £100 for those going out in the last 32.