Thorn Athletic welcomed a bumper crowd as they packed Johnstone Town Hall at the weekend to celebrate the club’s 20th anniversary.


Former players, managers, committee members, sponsors and supporters gathered for an action-packed evening to commemorate two decades of growth and success for the community club.


Over the period the club has racked up no fewer than 17 trophy triumphs including a memorable West of Scotland Under 21 Cup success in 2004 and then another West Cup final appearance as amateurs in 2011.


The club has grown from having just the one team to now boasting a membership of more than 200 with age groups from 2004 up to 2011.


Founded in 1998 by a group of school friends from Johnstone, the club has always remained committed to its grassroots beginnings and that has proved a recipe for continued success.


The Thorn were also instrumental in the re-opening of the McMaster Sports Centre in the Thomas Shanks Park and have developed that as a hub to grow their work within the community, particularly in challenging areas of the town.


And their success over the years was celebrated on Saturday night with a series of presentations, a live band and buffet that gave guests the opportunity to reminisce and share memories of the past 20 years.


The club’s adult team also crowned their top goalscorer and players’ player of the year, Tom Smith and player of the year from season 2017-18, Joe Rae, at the event.


Founder Mark McGee said: “It’s a remarkable milestone for us and we didn’t want to let is pass without marking the occasion.


“It has generated a lot of interest and it was good catching up with the people who have contributed to the club’s success, survival and continued growth over the years.


“We are now an inter-generational club with many of our former players now coaching their own kids who are part of the set-up. I could never have imagined that when we first formed the club.


“It has been a rollercoaster throughout the years but we have had more than our fair share of success and I’ve met some fantastic people, many of whom are now lifelong friends.”


Players from throughout the 20 years took part in a Legends Match with two teams of former and long-serving players taking to the field.


That was the focal point of a fun day at the centre with a Youth Academy Blitz, bouncy castles, beat the goalie and face painting.


Thorn took the opportunity to use the event to help raise awareness of mental health, in particular around young males.


The trophy contested by the Legends was named ‘The Breathing Space Cup’ and was presented to winning captain David Gallagher.


Literature and advice leaflets were also on hand at the event as a reminder to everyone involved that ‘It’s okay not to be okay’.


McGee added: “It’s such a big issue these days and it’s important that people know mental health is just as important as physical health.


“We hope to do our bit to help raise awareness and hope that everyone who is involved with the club will embrace that message.”