The Spartans

The Spartans Football Club are a Scottish football club based in Edinburgh. They were formed in 1951 by ex-players of Edinburgh University and the original intention was the team would be exclusively graduates of the university. However, the club is now open to players of any background. Spartans play at Ainslie Park and wear white shirts, red shorts and white socks. The senior team plays in Scottish League Two, and are managed by Dougie Samuel. They joined the Lowland League in 2013, after playing in the East of Scotland Football League, where it had become one of its most successful clubs from the 1970s onwards. Spartans have been allowed to play in the qualifying rounds of the Scottish Cup since 1978 and qualified for the cup proper on several occasions during their junior days. Spartans entered their top amateur side into the SJFA East Region junior setup in 2009, but withdrew in 2013. Spartans also have an Under-20 squad in the Lowlands U20s Development League, a Saturday amateur side, a Sunday amateur side and several women's teams, including The Spartans W.F.C. Spartans chairman Craig Graham was appointed MBE in 2017 for his service to the community of North Edinburgh. In 2023, Spartans were promoted to Scottish League Two after overcoming Albion Rovers in the play-offs.