We were delighted to confirm this week that work will begin on the installation of a new FIFA Quality Pro astroturf pitch at The Rock – sponsored by Marbill Coaches.
This means that, in addition to our men’s team continuing to play their William Hill League 2 matches at home in Dumbarton, our Women’s side, Under 20s and full youth pathway squads will also have a home base at The Rock, with the aim of the new park being completed in time for the start of the League Two season.
The project will see the pitch become a hub for the community, with six sets of seven-a-side goals available for use by youth teams and local players throughout the week, and plans in place for community changing facilities further down the line.
Head of Youth Development Gordon Scanlan was delighted with the announcement and the opportunity it will provide for the Sons stars of the future.
“This is an exciting development for our men’s pathway,” he said,
“It will allow the opportunity for many of our players to play at The Rock which they all aspire to as first team players.”
Under 20’s manager Jordan Woodford was also delighted with the long-awaited news, which he says will be a huge benefit for his players, who have reached two cup finals this season, and could yet secure both trophies alongside a strong second-placed league finish.
“Playing at the home ground next season is a massive step forward for everyone involved with the Under 20s,” he said.
“It gives the players the opportunity to represent the club in the same environment as the first team and really feel part of the pathway at Dumbarton.
“For the boys, it’s a reward for the hard work they’ve put in and also a challenge to keep pushing standards higher every week.
“It creates a more professional environment, helps strengthen the connection between the academy and supporters, and gives fans a better chance to see the next generation of players coming through the club.
“We want to play exciting, competitive football that supporters can get behind, and having home games at the stadium will only add to that atmosphere.
“It’s something the players, staff and supporters should all be excited about going into next season.”
Our Park’s Motor Group Scottish Lowland Development League side have been playing out of Budhill Park, Shettleston this season, with local players required to travel long distances for both home and away games.
Now with this base, they can be right at the heart of the community.
As can our Women’s Team.
They have been based out of Mountblow Pitches, Dalmuir but will now play their SWFL Central-West matches at The Rock.
The ladies have fought back from a disappointing first half of the season to finish strongly.
With an average age of just 19, the squad have come through together, developed together and have grown together.
They can now look forward to reaching their potential at the home of Dumbarton.
“This is brilliant news for the club, its pathway and the local community,” said manager Kenny McInnes.
“I am personally delighted for everyone within the club who have worked tirelessly on this project and for the determination they’ve shown despite the various challenges they have faced.
“It’s incredibly exciting for our Women’s Team and I know all the players will be looking forward to making the Rock our new home.
“It obviously brings us even closer to the heart of the club which has always been the intention.
“In terms of being the main focus of girls’ and women’s football in West Dunbartonshire and beyond, this is an absolute game changer and demonstrates the club’s ambition for the hundred plus players in our SWFL team and extended youth pathway.”
Women’s captain Eva McInnes echoed Kenny’s statement and spoke about the excitement of the squad to play at the natural home of the club.
“It’s something all the girls have been looking forward to and we can’t want to get into the stadium.
“Hopefully being in the stadium would also encourage more fans to come along and support the team.”
Community is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re delighted that The Rock will now be a hub for all our teams to call home.
We’ll have regular updates as work progresses on the new playing surface, and can’t wait to host our Women’s Team and pathway sides at home for the very first time in the new season.