A 50,000-strong fans association in Scotland has called for every professional football club to equip itself with a “community hub”, as well as an independent inquiry into grassroots football.

The Scottish Football Supporters Association (SFSA) delivered its nine-point manifesto - titled Transforming Scottish Football: The Fans Manifesto - during an event in Scottish Parliament earlier today (7 January).

Among the proposals detailed in the 16-page document included the ambition for all 42 professional clubs to become a “major community focus”, and play their part in the health, wellbeing and education of the area they inhabit.

“Many football clubs are located in places of health and social deprivation,” said the manifesto. “They have the opportunity to play a role in local regeneration and in wellbeing issues such as exercise, dietary change, medical checks and information about other services.”

The SFSA, set up by Paul Goodwin and Simon Barrow, emphasised the need for clubs to engage with the government, NHS, local authorities and charitable organisations to develop the appropriate facilities.

Education was flagged as an area of potential, with the pilot initiative Get Sum Kicks (which links maths learning with attending football matches) as a “win-win” scheme for football clubs and local communities.

A specific Community Football Fund, shared information on grant-making opportunities and joint-branding of facilities were all proposals put forward by the document.

“The SFSA can be the catalyst for this change,” it said.

The movement, which is funded by donations from fans and other interested parties, also highlighted the need to “rebuild Scottish football” through a “renewed energy and investment at the grassroots”.

Questions were posed around the impact of the increasing number of foreign players in the professional leagues, the quality of coaching, and the strategies of the top Premiership clubs. Scotland last qualified for an international tournament in 1998 and club sides generally struggle to compete in European competition.

“Despite denials from some quarters, there has been a shocking drop in quality across all aspects of our game. SFSA is proposing an independent inquiry into fresh opportunities for renewing football at the grassroots and among upcoming generations.”

Twenty-five per cent fan representation on all governing bodies within five years, increasing community ownership of clubs and the decrease of ticket prices were among the other notable recommendations.

In response to the manifesto, Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) chief executive, Neil Doncaster, said “all stakeholders” were “united in striving for a positive future for our national sport”.

“Fans, as the lifeblood of football, are a vital part of this and it’s imperative that their opinions continue to be listened to,” he added. “We welcome any constructive suggestions which might help shape the future of Scottish football.”