YOUNG footballers in Helensburgh played their part over Remembrance weekend by observing a period of silence before a local friendly game.

Players from Helensburgh and Ardencaple 2011s paid their respects at Hermitage Academy on Saturday.

Both teams are currently unable to take part in the Dunbartonshire Football Development League due to Covid restrictions but are continuing to train and face each other on a regular basis to ensure that that the kids are kept active and still involved with the game.

There’s even some friendly competition on the sidelines as Caple are coached by Rhu Amateurs’ assistant manager Stewart Fraser, and Helensburgh by Rhu captain Gordon Brodie.

Brodie said: “We as a club think it’s imperative that games continue to be played as the kids from both teams are at a stage where playing and enjoying football is of great importance.

“We will continue to play and train as long as we are allowed.”

Meanwhile, pressure is growing on the Scottish Government to allow adult amateur football to return.

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Helensburgh’s competitive season has yet to start, whilst Rhu got one game under their belts before players were told not to travel outwith their own council for training or fixtures, leaving the clubs in a difficult position.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard has cited concerns over players’ physical and mental health.

He said: Consideration should be given to finding a workable solution that allows the amateur football leagues to safely carry out games.

“The current restrictions have created a two-tiered football system in Scotland, where semi-professional football teams and players are given exemptions to carry on competing in their leagues, whilst amateur teams are not.

“As I understand it semi-pro teams follow exactly the same Covid procedures as teams in the amateur league and gatherings are similar in size.

“Football remains Scotland’s most popular sport. It helps many people, players and fans, to focus their minds and efforts on something that provides a lot of happiness. That is why having a blanket ban does not work.”

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