THE new Cowdenbeath F.C home kit 16/17 is being launched this Saturday at the Cowdenbeath Gala.

Cowden kitman Darren Adamson explained this week that the club will have a stall at the park on Gala day and this and will be fans' first opportunity to get their hands on the new kit.

Added Darren: "We will also have the new Uhlsport Cowdenbeath F.C Leisure clothing range being launched at the Gala.

"New signing Craig Sives can be seen modelling the new Uhlsport Cowdenbeath F.C shirt".

There will be a variety of items on display and on sale at the stall on Saturday.

Added Darren: "Fans can have a look at what we will have on sale and either purchase on the day or go to the club office and get the item they want."

Meanwhile a fresh new format has been introduced for the 2016/17 Scottish Challenge Cup.

In a novel move the competition is being expanded in season 2016/17 with the introduction of additional clubs from the Highland and Lowland Leagues, all Ladbrokes Premiership u20 teams and two representatives each from the Welsh Premier League and Northern Ireland Football League.

They will join the 30 Ladbrokes Championship, League 1 and League 2 teams to give an overall total of 54 competing in the exciting new competition format across seven rounds, with the majority of fixtures taking place during international weekend breaks.

Cowdenbeath will enter the competition in the second round whilst cross-border clashes will only occur from the 4th round onwards (with travelling costs being subsidised).

The club looks forward to competing in the revamped competition which represents a bold attempt to try something new in Scottish football.

In addition to the continued support from longstanding competition broadcaster BBC ALBA, the SPFL has also secured new broadcast deals with S4C and Premier Sports to cover selected fixtures live during next year’s Scottish Challenge Cup.

The competition’s new format was devised and approved by the SPFL Board and UEFA following recommendations made by the SPFL Competitions Working Group, which comprises representatives of member clubs across the leagues.

Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive, said: “This is another exciting day for Scottish football with the announcement of this exciting new format of the Scottish Challenge Cup demonstrating further innovation and forward-thinking for the game in this country. The introduction of Ladbrokes Premiership u20 teams will give young players a taste of competitive football at senior level, while extending the number of Highland and Lowland League clubs taking part further strengthens the pyramid system and their place within Scottish professional football”.

Admission Prices for the Dundee United v Cowdenbeath Betfred League Cup-tie on Tuesday July 19 at Tannadice Park are Adult £12; Concessions* £5.

There will be no pre sales. Cash Turnstiles will be available on the night for away fans in the Jerry Kerr stand.

*65 and Over, Under 18, Student and Disabled.

Cowdenbeath FC has now been advised by the SFA that its application to renew its club licence at Bronze level has now been approved by the Licensing Committee.

To achieve this award, Cowdenbeath have to comply with the laid down standards which are ever evolving - the standards must be met in 4 key areas: First team football, Ground criteria, Youth team football & Legal, Admin, Finance and Codes of Practice criteria.

Some may recall a few years back when the club was struggling with licence criteria such as floodlighting levels and pitch size. The current board, has by dint of hard work and significant investment, remedied these matters as well as tackled licensing issues such dressing room and toilet facilities, first aid and medical facilities, codes of conduct, etc.