THE amateur football season in the Helensburgh area kicks off for real in the next few days – and there’s plenty of action for local supporters to take in.

Rhu Amateurs’ first competitive fixture is at home to FC Dal Riata in the Douglas Smith League Cup this Saturday, August 11, at 2pm, before travelling to play Callander Thistle away from home on August 15.

In the Scottish Amateur Football League, Cardross AFC host Alba Thistle in the Centenary Cup this Saturday before travelling to Motherwell Thistle on August 18.

Helensburgh FC’s season starts on August 18 with a League Cup group match at home to East Kilbride Rolls Royce, before Calderglen visit the Burgh on August 22.

Ardencaple FC’s new amateur team took on Gourock Athletic in a cup game on Wednesday night, while Craigneuk AFC visit Ardenconnel Park in Rhu on Saturday – full details on page 45.

Meanwhile, the first round draw for the Scottish Amateur Cup was made this week. Local ties as follows: Ardencaple v Tarbert, Ochiltree Community AFC v Helensburgh, GSC Jordanhill v Rhu, Cardross v St Patrick’s. All the ties will be played on September 1.