Spartans gave St Mirren a scare in the 2006 Scottish Cup

Spartans underlined their credentials as applicants to the Scottish Football League after receiving an award for their contribution at grassroots level.

The Edinburgh outfit received the Scottish FA Quality Mark Community Club Award, recognising the contribution the club make to their locality.

Chairman Craig Graham said: "We're delighted to gain this award as we continue work on our new academy.

"We believe this will make a difference to youngsters' lives in the area."

The club is one of five who applied for the SFL place made available following the demise of Gretna.

Annan Athletic, Edinburgh City, Preston Athletic and Cove Rangers are the others.

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Spartans become only the third club in the country to be given the Quality Mark Community Club Award.

The award criteria concentrate on ensuring that club members are encouraged to play, train and compete at their chosen level while developing a sense of community belonging.

Spartans runs a large community programme with more than 500 youth players affiliated to their club, as well as running teams in age groups ranging from under-six to adult.

The club are in the process of building a SFL-compliant ground with a new training academy, which is due to open in September.

As well as providing a new home for the East of Scotland League side, the academy will be used by more than 1,500 people each week, mostly local youngsters and community groups.

Spartans finished third in the East of Scotland Football League last season.

In 2006, they proved they were able to hold their own against teams from the professional ranks, with a 0-0 draw at home against St Mirren in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.

They have also defeated East Stirlingshire, Alloa Athletic, Arbroath, Berwick Rangers and Queen's Park in the cup.

An SFL vote to determine which club will be admitted to Division Three will take place on 3 July.