Rhu Amateur Football Club are appealing for players to join their squad after they returned to pre-season training this week.

The club has expanded from two teams to three for the 2022-23 campaign, with the existing Caledonian League and Greater Glasgow Premier AFL squad being joined by a brand new under-21 ‘colts’ squad that will compete in the Saturday morning Glasgow Colleges League.

Gordon Brodie and Sam Gemmell will remain in charge of the Caledonian and GGPAFL squads respectively, with Jamie Kjorstad taking control of the colts.

Players gathered at the DCF Park in Rhu for the first time of pre-season on Tuesday night in glorious conditions for a gruelling two-hour session.

Those interested in joining are urged to head along to the DCF Park this evening [Thursday] at 6.30pm as preparations continue with a further two hours on the pitch.

Players will meet again at the same time on Tuesday and Thursday next week before the under-21s have a game on July 2 at 10am, followed by a bounce fixture between the club’s two senior sides at 2pm.

Both of next Saturday’s matches take place at the DCF Park in Rhu, with details of further training sessions and pre-season friendly fixtures to be announced via the club’s social media channels soon.

A post on the club’s Facebook page read: “If you fancy a challenge with one of Scotland’s oldest amateur clubs which boasts our own park and clubhouse, top class training facilities and the backing of numerous sponsors on our journey then get in touch.”

Brodie added: “We’ve got some big friendly games lined up and some great coaches with a massive amount of supporter from local companies with sponsorship.

“Everything is in place behind the scenes, now we just need the players as we move into our 126th year and look to bring the glory years back to Ardenconnel.”

The club have also thanked the local businesses who have pledged their support to Rhu for the coming season.

Caledonian Bureau have agreed to sponsor the under-21s’ shirts, Babcock International will remain on the jersey of the Caledonian League team, and long-term sponsors Fusebox continue their support for the Greater Glasgow League side.

And there will be support for local charities too, with the Helensburgh-based Males Tales peer support group also having their logo on the GGPAFL kit and the Gary Andrews Remember a Life lung cancer charity appearing on both the Caledonian League and colts kits.

The two good causes' logos will also appear on all coaches' match and training kit.

And other local businesses also doing their bit to help with matchday tracksuits, T-shirts and bags.

James Auld Funeral Directors and Events Host Ltd have agreed to split the cost for the colts’ team, but instead of choosing to have their company logo printed on the kit, the Beatson Cancer Charity will feature.

Tony McKerron Roofing and Cardross Pharmacy have also come on board as match ball sponsors.

The Rosslea Hotel and Collins Distribution Ltd have backed the Caledonian and Greater Glasgow sides by purchasing kit bags, with WCC West Coast Group and Baxter Ramsay sponsoring tracksuits and T-shirts and the coaches of all three sides will be kitted out in their own match day and training kit thanks to the Rhu Inn.

A Rhu spokesperson said: “It’s incredibly humbling to see the support that has been shown and continues to be shown to our great old club.”