PREMIER League champions Echt have inquired about joining the junior ranks next season.

President Ian Anderson confirmed the club have met with officials from the North Region Junior FA.

They will now consider launching an application to make the step up from the Aberdeenshire amateur leagues.

He said: “The club have met with officials from the North Junior association.

“The have also met with Tom Johnston of the Scottish Junior FA.

“It’s something the club would like to do and would like to look at with effect from next season.”

Echt are also speaking with Aberdeenshire Council about making alterations to their ground.

The local authority own the Pleasure Park pitch, which would need upgrading in order to meet junior criteria.

Anderson admits council approval could be the decisive factor on whether Echt make the step up.

He said: “At the moment, the club are actively working with Aberdeenshire Council to look at what might be doable in terms of the criteria that needs to be met for junior football.

“You need to have perimeter fencing or railing around the park and facilities need to be adjacent to the field.

“There are a few things that need to be tidied up first before we can take it to the next stage.”

Echt joined the Aberdeenshire Amateur FA in 1990.

They quickly progressed through the leagues to become a top flight powerhouse.

Echt have won the Premier League title for the past two seasons.

Anderson revealed that on the back of that success, Echt have discussed moving to the junior ranks for some considerable time.

He said: “It’s something the club has spoken about internally for a couple of years.

“We are doing well in the amateur leagues, and have been very successful.

“It’s in order to take us on to the next level; to try to keep the people we have at management and playing level.

“There is a good group of players at the club and as in any sport you like to test yourself at the best level possible.

“If that is junior football for us, then we are keen to move on with the application and hopefully that will be successful.”