St Mirren FC is set to take on A-list clubs at this year’s Football Business Awards.

After qualifying for European football this week for the first time in 37 years, the club has been made a finalist for two awards – Partnership of the Year and the Sustainability Award.

The club is being recognised for its partnership with the national charity Kibble which supports at risk children and young people (aged five to 26) across the UK.

Kibble purchased part of St Mirren FC in 2020, along with St Mirren Independent Supporters Association, making it the only fan-owned premiership club run in partnership with one of the UK’s biggest charities.

St Mirren is up against Premier League teams Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, as well as French title winners Paris Saint-Germain and Spain’s La Liga in this first category.

Glasgow Times:

Jim Gillespie, CEO of Kibble, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised in such iconic company and it is a tremendous achievement that underlines the significance of the partnership.

“The innovative collaboration between the two organisations provides more opportunities for vulnerable young people who are given the chance to gain valuable experience with a large, functioning operation to ensure training and future employment opportunities.”

He added: “For young people, having access to a premiership football team has invigorated them to get excited about the world of work.

“And, for us, there is no better testament to the partnership’s tremendous success.”

The club is also up for the Sustainability Award, where they will go head-to-head with Manchester City, Brighton and Hove Albion, Fulham, Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

St Mirren has a number of sustainable initiatives and has ambitions to become the first carbon neutral club in Scotland.

They also pride themselves on their multi-award winning programme Street Stuff, which provides a range of weekly activities that are free to young people in Renfrewshire.

Keith Lasley, St Mirren FC’s chief operating officer, said: “It’s a really proud moment to be nominated alongside so many well-known and successful clubs across Europe.

“Our overall objective is to be the best community-centred development football club in Scotland, and we are extremely proud of the progress made to date.

“Alongside Kibble, we have strengthened youth employment opportunities and our set strategy, vision and mission confirms our dedication to sustainable business growth and securing the club’s future,” he added.

The Football Business Awards was due to take place in London on May 24.