[1] Since that time, the club grew to involve 700 players and 60 coaches with teams from the youngest age groups up to an adult amateur side.

Gartcairn decided to apply for membership of the Scottish Junior Football Association in 2015, to create an unbroken player pathway to semi-professional level and to provide a playing option for existing local talent in Airdrie and neighbouring Coatbridge.

The academy officially opened their own facility at St Margaret's High School in Airdrie in January 2014, however the Junior side initially had to play out of Coatbridge Outdoor Sports Centre due to certain ground criteria not being met.

[5] The club attracted former Hibernian player Tam McManus out of retirement for their debut Junior season.

[7] Entering the SJFA West Region's bottom tier, Central District Division Two, the club finished 2nd in 2017–18 and gained promotion.