DFC, in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Leisure’s Active Schools Team, recently held the first Primary 5-7 Football Festival for schools across the Vale of Leven at The Rock – sponsored by Marbill Coaches.
This participation event involved almost 100 pupils from Balloch, Bonhill, Christie Park, Lennox, Levenvale, Renton and St. Kessog’s Primary Schools and was a great opportunity for children to represent their school and get experience playing on the hallowed turf at The Rock.
Free transport was provided by club sponsors Marbill Coaches to enable as many schools as possible to attend, whilst Sons star Robbie Cleary went along to give some tips to the youngsters.
DFC’s Head of Youth Operations, Darren McEwan, said: “The Active Schools festival was a massive success. These were the very opportunities the club was striving to create upon the installation of the artificial surface, so to see so many children experience playing in the stadium and the enjoyment that brought was a great experience for the club to enable
“There were some very talented young players in attendance on the day, with some great goals having been scored. Quite possibly, this might’ve been some boys’ and girls’ first experiences of playing down the Rock on their journey to becoming Men’s or Women’s first team players.”
Yvonne Macdonald, Active Schools Coordinator, was delighted with the success of the event, adding: “A huge thank you to Dumbarton FC and Marbill Coaches for hosting and supporting the Primary Football Festival and giving the pupils such an amazing opportunity.
“Active Schools would also like to thank, and recognise the contribution of, volunteers across the local authority who give up their time to run extra-curricular sports clubs in West Dunbartonshire schools including football.”
A further football festival is scheduled for Dumbarton area primary schools in October and DFC are keen to continue to strengthen links with the local schools and community during 2026/27.
If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering opportunities through Active Schools please email active.schools@west-dunbarton.gov.uk or message the team via social media @activeschoolswd.