YOUNG football fans will have to sign “a contract of behaviour” to cheer on their heroes at Foresters Park – if they want to attend games without an adult.
A new system is being trialled which will see youngsters purchase a season ticket and sign a contract.
A cup tie with fellow Scottish Lowland Football League (SLFL) side East Kilbride last season was marred by "unacceptable incidents" of fan disruption.
At that time, the club apologised and vowed that "appropriate action" would be taken against those involved.
Tranent play their first home game of the new season on Saturday against Berwick Rangers and could be backed by a bumper home crowd.
The club posted a message on social media highlighting a change of heart when it came to allowing fans under the age of 16 to attend.
READ MORE: Tranent FC ban group of fans following disruption at cup tie
They said: “Tranent is a dedicated and proud supporter of our local communities.
“As we face the new season, we have been reflecting on this as a board.
“We had requests at our AGM to reconsider admitting youngsters under 16 to our games who were not accompanied by their parent or carer.
“It was felt by some at the AGM that the current blanket ban could adversely impact children and young people in our community that had done nothing wrong.
“The board have considered this.
“While acknowledging that most of the youngsters who attended the ground last season were an asset and great advocate for our club and our ethos, others, a minority, behaved appallingly and they caused our club embarrassment with their actions and were abusive to our volunteers and guests.
“This cannot and will not be tolerated by Tranent FC.”
READ MORE: Tranent FC issues apology after supporter disruption at cup tie
Now, the football club is working alongside East Lothian Council’s connected communities team to trial a new system which will allow young people aged from 12 to 16 to attend the game without the need for a parent or guardian.
Each of the youngsters will be registered with the club and will need to buy a season ticket, costing £20.
The statement continues: “They will have to provide identification to do so, and they will be required to sign a contract of behaviour that they will adhere to.
“As well as this, there will be other steps that the club will enforce.
“We at Tranent FC want to reassure everyone that we hold the safety and enjoyment of our supporters and visitors in the highest regard.
“This trial will be carefully implemented and examined throughout.
“There will be strict enforcement of the contract of behaviours. There will also be ongoing monitoring.
“As a club, we do have a duty to our communities, and we take our responsibilities seriously.
“Likewise, we expect our supporters to be advocates for our club and to uphold our reputation.
“Our children and young people are not excused from this.”
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