Livingston FC has confirmed it will vote in favour of Scottish FA proposals designed to give more game time to young Scottish players. The Championship club issued a statement this week backing the plans following a summit earlier this month.
"Livingston FC are delighted to see the SFA being so proactive and trying to get more game time for young Scottish players," the club said. The statement added that while the club would have preferred a mandatory system, it viewed the current proposals as the best option likely to gain the required support.
David Martindale represented Livingston at the SFA summit, which was attended by all 42 SPFL member clubs. The proposals discussed would require clubs in the Scottish Cup and Premier Sports Cup to start with at least two under-21 Scotland-eligible players and keep one on the pitch at all times. These players would need to average 60 minutes per game across the campaign, with non-compliance risking a 10% deduction from final prize money, which would then be redistributed to compliant clubs.
Livingston's statement praised the SFA's efforts, calling the summit a "very good meeting" and the outcome "probably the best-case scenario." The club emphasised the need to prioritise the wider game, stating, "We need to put the good of our game ahead of our own individual club needs." The formal vote on the proposals is scheduled for next month.
The announcement comes as Livingston prepare for their next Championship fixture against Ayr United at home on 3 October. Their recent form shows two wins, one draw, and two losses from their last five matches, including a 2-0 victory over Raith Rovers last Friday. The club's commitment to youth development aligns with its current squad-building strategy, details of which are available on the squad page.
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