The Brothers in Arms Trophy Final was not only a major occasion on the pitch for Steins Thistle Sunday and Castlemilk FA, but also another example of the GDSFC’s growing focus on presentation, identity and matchday experience. From trophy displays and pennants to winners graphics and player cards,

Friday night’s final at Nethercraigs reflected the work happening behind the scenes to make GDSFC finals feel like genuine occasions for clubs, players and supporters.

Speaking to Frank Sideline after the final, GDSFC committee member Nim Roy explained some of the thinking behind the league’s growing media and presentation approach.

For Nim, the focus remains on giving finals a different feel from a normal Sunday fixture.

“Yeah getting there.” “Just want to make sure the matchday is best we can present as a league to the teams and players and those wee extra moments of trophy display, referees with buzzer flags, pennants for the captains, it’s just a small thing from us to make the final a different occasion.”

The winners cards and celebration graphics started from something far simpler before gradually becoming a wider feature across the league.

“With the cards part it came from just something silly messing about with images and we did it for Todholm AFC trophy win and looked good (well I thought so haha) so felt need to do the same for all other winners this season.”

“On rest of images I think good to show the celebration moments as some people might not have been able to make the final or trophy presentation day so good for them to see how it went.”

Nim believes the added presentation can also help attract new interest towards teams, the league and amateur football more generally.

“Yeah absolutely, if brings another fan to the game, or another person, team thinking how do I get involved in a team or league then brilliant.”

“Or maybe a company or charity thinking how can we get knowing GDSFC.”

Comparing the current finals setup to previous years, Nim feels the overall matchday experience has grown significantly.

“Yeah I think back to previous finals or trophy presentations and nowhere near what’s involved now.”

“It’s what teams deserve to make the day as best can be and I think the extra features helps not only build up the match experience but also capturing those moments for team, players and supporters.”

Beyond football itself, the Brothers in Arms Final also continued its connection to raising awareness around men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

“Hopefully they can see a league that has progressed and grown over last few years, giving teams platform to progress or simply enjoy playing football.”

“Can I also add in my enormous appreciation for the teams and supporters who came along on Friday.”

“BIA Trophy Final is around raising awareness of Men’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and why we showcase as BIA Trophy Final.”

“And delighted to say we raised an amazing £397.23 on the night for Brothers In Arms which will be donated to them on behalf of both teams.”

“But massive thank you to everyone that attended and donated 💚”

One of the most noticeable things around Friday night’s final was how much effort had gone into the occasion itself before a ball was even kicked. Trophy displays, visuals, graphics, pennants and presentation details all combined to make the night feel bigger than just another fixture on the calendar.

A lot of work around football happens quietly in the background.

Friday night looked like one of those occasions where the small details helped make the whole event feel bigger.