Livingston FC is set to benefit from a West Lothian training‑ground proposal that would see the club work closely with Pumpherston Juniors, creating a shared facility for senior and junior squads. The plan, unveiled this week, promises modern pitches, a gym and community spaces, aiming to strengthen the club’s development pipeline.

What does the proposal involve?

The scheme envisions a 12‑acre site on the outskirts of West Lothian, where Livingston FC would build a state‑of‑the‑art training complex. Pumpherston Juniors, a historic junior side, would gain access to the same high‑quality pitches and locker rooms. Both clubs expect the partnership to cut costs and improve player progression, with the junior side feeding talent directly into Livingston’s academy.

Why is the partnership important for Livingston FC?

Livingston FC currently sits 12th in the Premiership, 16 pts from 33 games, recent form LDLDW. With only 35 goals scored and 66 conceded this season, the club needs fresh talent to tighten its defence and add firepower. By aligning with Pumpherston Juniors, the club hopes to tap into a local talent pool, offering youngsters a clear route to professional football. The shared facility also means better training conditions, which could help reverse the current -31 goal difference.

How will the community benefit?

Local residents will gain access to the new sports hub during evenings and weekends, fostering community engagement and encouraging grassroots participation. The council expects the project to create around 30 jobs, ranging from facility management to coaching roles. Moreover, the partnership could inspire other clubs in the region to consider similar collaborations, raising the overall standard of football development in West Lothian.

What are the next steps?

Planning permission is due by the end of August, after which construction could begin in early 2027. Both clubs have pledged to fund the project jointly, with Livingston FC contributing a larger share due to its Premiership status. If approved, the training ground could be operational for the 2028‑29 season, giving the club a new base ahead of the next campaign. The club’s hierarchy remains optimistic, noting that the initiative aligns with their long‑term strategy to nurture home‑grown talent and improve on‑field results.

Livingston FC’s ambition to climb the table remains clear: they sit 54 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian, and the new facility could be a catalyst for the turnaround they need.