Clubs from the Highland League and Lowland League have been invited to apply for places in next season’s Premier Sports Cup and KDM Evolution Trophy.
The invitation has been issued by the Scottish Professional Football League, which has opened applications for wild card entry to both competitions.
Three clubs from outside the SPFL took part in this season’s Premier Sports Cup group stage, including Highland League champions Brora Rangers, Highland League runners up Brechin City, and Bonnyrigg Rose, who were relegated from the SPFL at the end of last season.
The SPFL has confirmed it now plans to offer places to a further three clubs from the Highland League and Lowland League for next season’s Premier Sports Cup.
The competition is expected to follow the same format as the 2025 to 26 season, giving selected clubs the chance to compete in a national group stage against SPFL opposition.
Clubs from both leagues have also been invited to apply to take part in next season’s KDM Evolution Trophy.
Final numbers of participating clubs will be confirmed once the format of that competition has been finalised.
The SPFL has indicated that prize money for the Premier Sports Cup next season is expected to be no less than £30,000 per club.
Prize money of £15,000 per club is expected for teams taking part in the KDM Evolution Trophy.
The current intention is for clubs to be invited to one competition or the other, rather than both, in order to share the financial and sporting benefits as widely as possible.
The invitation offers another opportunity for clubs outside the SPFL to test themselves on a national stage, raise their profile, and benefit from the financial support attached to participation.
