The countdown to a new season has begun, and for Cumbernauld United, it’s a familiar path that winds down a well-trodden road. The final of the Cumbernauld Cup was a thrilling affair, with six goals and a penalty shoot-out that left fans on the edge of their seats. But amidst the excitement, there were also reminders of the club’s rich history and its commitment to community and family involvement.

At the heart of United is George Watson, a paper merchant who has dedicated his life to the club. He took over in 1998, when the club was on the brink of collapse, and has since steered it to stability and success. The secret to his success? Hat-Trix, a business that generates revenue for the club, allowing it to function without worrying about bills and wages.

Watson is a man consumed by his passion for the club. He devotes hours to ensuring its smooth operation, from running the bar to taking tickets at the turnstile. And despite his dedication, he remains humble, acknowledging that he can’t do it forever. “I’m 63 next week, so I suppose I must have an exit strategy,” he says. “But we’re not there yet.”

For now, Watson is focused on the present, and the club’s latest mascot, Ronauldo, is a testament to its commitment to the community. The panda mascot was created to engage with fans, and its debut at the Cumbernauld Cup final was a huge success.

But United’s history is also steeped in tradition, and Eric Drever, 88, is a living embodiment of that. He has been with the club for decades, and his memories of Kenny Dalglish, who played for United in the 1960s, are priceless. “He was perfect,” Drever says of Dalglish. “He had everything: left foot, right foot, header, work back, pass forward, finishing… he was simply perfect.”

Drever’s stories of Dalglish are matched only by his tales of Abie Monaghan, a player who seemed destined for greatness but never quite made it. “Abie was simply outstanding too,” Drever says. “He had everything that Kenny had, but was taller and seemed stronger. But that’s football, for everyone that makes it…”

Football is a game of obsession, and John Kirk, 70, is a prime example. He has been to 61 games involving 54 different teams, and has seen 223 goals. His passion is infectious, and he embodies the spirit of community that defines small clubs like United.

The Cumbernauld Cup final was a celebration of that community spirit, with proceeds going to Cumbernauld Kilsyth Care, a charity that supports children in need. The event brought together fans from both United and the Colts, and the atmosphere was electric.

One of the highlights of the day was the debut of Aiden Malcolm, 17, who played alongside his father, Craig, 37, for the Colts. Both scored, and despite missing penalties in the shoot-out, they were thrilled to be on the same pitch together.

As the season kicks off, United is ready to push on, driven by its commitment to community and family involvement. And with Ronauldo leading the charge, the future looks bright for this small but mighty club.