Ardencaple FC and Rhu AFC have announced that both clubs have entered into a partnership which will involve the formation of a brand new Rhu Amateurs under 21s side writes Kyle Crawford.

Walter Smith, the Caple president, got together with officials from both clubs to mark the occasion, and brought along son Neil who has played for both clubs.

Neil commented: “I think it’s tremendous that there is now a link between Ardencaple FC and Rhu Amateurs as both clubs are really important for the local community and have been for a long time.

“There have always been a lot of talented footballers in this area and it’s nice to know that kids in youth teams at Caple can go on and play for a club with a great history like Rhu.

“I was fortunate to play for both clubs and I’m still friends with so many of the boys I played with so many years ago." I think having that link between the clubs makes a lot of sense.”

Ardencaple FC has a membership of almost 300 players and is by far the largest community football club within the Helensburgh district. It operates teams at every age group starting from five-year-olds through to 19-year-olds.

Club chairman Craig Holborn echoed Neil’s sentiments: “We are really keen to offer our older players a pathway to continue their development after they outgrow our under 19s. It is a well accepted fact that some boys are sadly lost to the game around this stage due to work commitments, or being forced to leave the area for further education, or being snared by other ‘distractions’ that inevitably exist at this age.

“However, despite such challenges, there always remains a strong nucleus of talented and committed players that wish to play on and have aspirations to continue to play at the highest level possible. "We are thrilled that our players shall now have an opportunity to seamlessly migrate across to Rhu’s under 21s to enjoy at least another two full years of top-class development before stepping up to the challenge of representing Rhu’s senior team in the Caledonian League." undoubtedly one of Scotland’s most prestigious leagues where a key criterion for membership is a first class playing surface. Clearly Rhu AFC possesses a superb facility at Ardenconnel Park with a great pitch and club-house, resources that Ardencaple FC can now look forward to utilising on special occasions.

Rhu team manager Brian Mulholland added: “We have been actively looking for a link to secure the club’s long term future and allow local young talent a pathway into amateur football.

"Ardencaple FC seemed the obvious choice as they share the same values, ethos and level of discipline we believe is required of players in a football team.

"The link between the two clubs can only prove to be a positive thing for not only the two clubs involved but for the whole local community in general."

Any interested players born in 1997 or 1996, and preferably with relevant league experience, should get in touch as soon as possible with Brian Mulholland at Rhu on 07506 109231.

Please note that whilst its existing teams comprise players from Helensburgh and surrounding districts, Caple also feature players from outlying areas such as Clydebank, Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven and even as far afield as Lochgilphead and Campbeltown.

Any and all interested players as well as those interested in a coaching or a management role can contact Brian in confidence on the number above.