A GLASGOW football club has been honoured with a civic reception after celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Knightswood FC launched in 1974 and the team marked the milestone with a special reception at Glasgow City Chambers.

Graham Haig, who founded the club and is the current chairman, opened up on his pride at the team being recognised.

"Baillie Norman McLeod led the event with a brilliant speech about the history of Knightswood FC," he said.

"Around 35 people from the club were present at the reception and it was nice for a few of the younger guys to hear some of the older stories.

Clydebank Post: "I then went up and said a few words, thanking the City Chambers for their hospitality and highlighting the significance of the club reaching 50 years.

"Gary Souaves [current owner] then mentioned how the team is moving forward and its hopes for the future.

"First-team boss Michael Pender also explained his hopes for next season.

"It was a very proud moment to see the club honoured in that capacity and it shows what we have achieved over the last 50 years."

Knightswood FC began life as a senior football club in the fifth tier of the WOSFL in August last year, playing their home games at one of the pitches at Scotstoun Leisure Centre.

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Since Graham retired from day-to-day duties in 2013, Gary and his wife Angela Soaves have run the club.

Clydebank Post: They oversaw the transition from Knightswood Juveniles with two teams to a senior side and academy which contains more than 350 registered players as well as a recognised grassroots pathway for all ages up to under-18s.

And Graham praised both individuals as being vital in the recent progress of the club.

"Both Gary and Angela do amazing work," the 66-year-old continued. 

Clydebank Post: "Their work ethic and commitment is second to none. They currently have 350 kids on their books and I am sure that number will only continue to grow.

"I am delighted with the direction the club is currently going in."

As well as the civic reception, Knightswood FC also held a function on April 27 at the Crown Plaza to mark the occasion, with over 320 people attending and £7000 was raised for the club.

Graham feels the organisation will continue to go from strength to strength.

And he insists things have exceeded his wildest expectations from when he founded the club with friends David Gilchrist and Tommy Gordon over 50 years ago.

"When I first started the club I was still playing football and then when the club started to grow I had the choice to make of continuing to play football or continue running kids football," he added.

Clydebank Post: "And I am delighted with the choice I made. We have won over 120 trophies over the last five decades and long may that success continue.

"Knightswood now has a community football club which serves the area, while also teaching kids life skills and discipline, as well as offering them a place they can call home.

"That is a great legacy to leave."