Rhu Amateurs boss Stewart Maule is looking forward to a historic season as their competitive campaign gets under way on Saturday.

The DCF Park side recently merged with Helensburgh to form two sides that will both be operating under the Rhu name, one of which kicks off in the Caledonian League at home to Milton this Saturday, August 7.

The club got just one game under their belts in the league last season, which took place in October, before the remainder of the campaign was disrupted by Covid lockdowns.

Maule is looking forward to getting back to the bread and butter of playing for three points on a weekly basis but knows his troops have been dealt a tough opening day fixture.

Speaking to the Advertiser, he said: “All the coaching staff and committee members are excited about the prospect of finally having the opportunity to start playing league games again. It’s been a long time coming.

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“The players are all buzzing and can’t wait to start. They know it will be a historic season and are looking forward to being part of it.

“It will be a really tough opening game as we fully expect Milton to be competing for promotion.

“We’ve had some really exciting, close games in the recent past and we’re sure this one won’t be any different.”

Kick-off against Milton at DCF Park in Rhu on Saturday is at 2pm.

Rhu’s Greater Glasgow Premier AFL side start their competitive season in the President’s League Cup against Oban Saints on August 14.

READ MORE: Tie-up is 'massive' news for football in the Helensburgh area, says club chairman

Meanwhile, with plenty to look forward to on the park, the club has continued to progress off it as well as work continues behind the scenes.

Rhu were recently awarded a Bronze Quality Mark by the Scottish Football Association, which aims to reward clubs for creating participation, improving standards and supporting the development of players, coaches and volunteers.

Clubs must achieve a list of criteria with Sam Gemmell, manager of the club’s Greater Glasgow League side, working on the paperwork side of things, and Maule admits he was surprised the club were eligible to be awarded the accreditation.

He explained: “Firstly, we didn’t even know amateur clubs could attain the accreditation, because we thought it was purely for youth team football.

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“It’s always been easier for them to attain accreditation because of the amount of age groups they have playing for them.

“The Quality Mark is aimed at improving or supporting management, development structures, administration, planning and welfare, these criteria help each club as they strive to improve.

“Sam Gemmell looked into it for us and then pulled all the relevant documentation together and we’re delighted to have been awarded it.”