The next generation of budding young footballers got the ball rolling for a new Helensburgh based club at the weekend.

Kicking off on Sunday, March 10, Hermitage United 2018s is the first team introduced as the merger between Ardencaple FC and Helensburgh FC.

Starting with the 2018 group, the club plans for all future teams to come under the Hermitage United banner – while existing Hermitage and Ardencaple teams will continue to function as usual.

Secretary Sam Gemmell said: “It was decided that as some of the older age groups had been running under their respective club names, and were well established with coaches etc, then these teams would continue to play under the Ardencaple and Helensburgh logo.

“The other younger developmental age groups will also continue as they are for this season, but with the opportunity to come under the new club the following season.

“The kids that turned out on Sunday probably aren’t aware what they have become part of, but hopefully they will be proud to look back and say they were the first of many.”

Officials from both the Helensburgh and Ardencaple teams first started discussions of a merger several months ago when they began working together when looking at the refurbishment of the dressing rooms on East King Street.

Both Ardencaple FC and Helensburgh FC have rich histories in the town, as the former was established in 1968 while the latter was created in 1981.