Monday 11th November 2019
DUMBARTON FC launched a bold new partnership with pioneering amateurs Dumbarton United AFC on Saturday 9th November – with the aim of creating a pathway into professional and semi-professional football for local youngsters.
Over one hundred youngsters made the trip to the C&G Systems Stadium to celebrate the new agreement been the clubs, which has been arranged with the assistance of top rail engineering company C&G Systems, who sponsor both sides.
Gerry Docherty, the Chairman of Dumbarton United AFC, said: “The new partnership with Dumbarton FC is a fantastic opportunity for all the players at Dumbarton United AFC, both boys and girls, to follow a pathway into senior football. It also paves a pathway from Dumbarton FC straight into the heart of the youth of the community that our club have been serving for more than 60 years.
“The partnership will create a very strong bond and a foundation for nurturing and developing our sons and daughters of Dumbarton long into the future. I would like to thank everyone associated with both clubs and sponsors C&G Systems for their support and commitment to making this partnership possible. Here’s to a bright future together.”
Dumbarton FC Chairman John Steele commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be developing this renewed relationship with Dumbarton United AFC today, and to create a potential pathway into higher level football for many local youngsters. We all hope this can be solidified by the launch of a Dumbarton United 19s team next year.
“Young people are the future of both our clubs, and we look forward to improving and developing relationships with other youth sides throughout the area, too. This is not an exclusive deal, but Dumbarton United AFC are undoubtedly showing the way.
Under 12s can get free entry to all home matches here at the C&G Systems Stadium, and we are very proud of our Young Sons Crew, who featured on BBC Scotland this past week, and of our Young Sons TV facility. The message is clear. Dumbarton FC welcomes fans of all ages, and we are particularly keen to bring in new supporters, not least youngsters.”
C&G Systems CEO Dave Gordon said: “We are delighted to have helped this partnership come to fruition. It will benefit both the clubs we sponsor, and also the young people and communities of the area. This shows how a business like ours can work in creative partnership with sport in the community.”
Our lead picture shows Dumbarton United Chairman Gerry Docherty with Sons manager Jim Duffy.
Simon Barrow