East Kilbride YM FC
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| Full name | East Kilbride YM |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The YM, EKYM |
| Founded | 1936 |
| Ground | John Wrights Sports Stadium East Kilbride Scotland |
| Chairman | Alan Cunningham |
| Manager | Graeme Robertson |
| League | Caledonian AFL Division One (A) |
| 2015–16 | Caledonian AFL Division One (A), 4th |
| Website | Club home page |
East Kilbride YM Football Club (also known as The YM) are the oldest football club based in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire. The club currently have three adult teams competing in the Caledonian,Scottish Amateur Football League and Greater Glasgow Leagues, as well as under-17s and under-19s. 'The YM' is part of the EKYMC Community Club alongside East Kilbride YC and East Kilbride Girls. The club also host the most popular Player of the Year and Speakers night in the East Kilbride area and an annual Invitational Tournament.
East Kilbride YM were formed in 1936, during World War II, with one of the earliest Team Managers being John Cadzow. The club was kept going through the war by enlisting local players and serviceman stationed nearby. In 1947 Angus McConnell became involved as Secretary and Organiser at only 16-years old. Despite never playing for ‘the YM’, McConnell was an ever present figure within the club and, as well as his secretarial duties, was at the forefront of the clubs fundraising endeavours raising money for local and national charities. At the Annual EKYM Speakers Dinner, McConnell was named Honorary President.
Despite there being no official league, East Kilbride YM kept playing throughout the war and then into the 1950s when they were accepted into the Scottish Amateur Football League. John Cadzow is widely credited with the establishment of East Kilbride YM as a club and sustaining it through its difficult early stages.
In the early-1950s, Jack Fowler became manager and won numerous trophies over his decade in charge. It was at this time 17-year-old Les Goodfellow and Eric Gunning joined The YM. Both played their way through the ranks to the first team where they stayed for many years. After retiring, the pair became actively involved in the running of the club until 2012, almost 60 years later.
The early-1960s saw the club add under-16 and under-18 squads bringing with them a steady stream of talented youth players. In 1961 the men's team reached the final of the Coronation Cup against Clyde Paper. A game in which Alistair McCartney suffered a broken leg and the team forced to continue with 10 men. Against the odds, the YM went on to win 3–2 and lift the Coronation Cup.
In 1980 Bobby Jarvie managed the East Kilbride YM under-18s to the final of the Scottish Amateur Youth Cup. They were ultimately beaten 2–1 with two late goals from Andy Walker, who would go on to play for Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers, and his brother.
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