Kids, parents and coaches braved the elements to take part in a sponsored walk and fun day to raise money for Renton Craigandro FC.

More than 100 kids from the age of five to 12 were part of the walk, which travelled from the Marinecraft gym to Tontine Park in Renton, where a fun day included a visit from a fire engine, bouncy castle and beat the goalie competitions.

The club’s membership has skyrocketed from 50 to more than 170 players over the past year, and the money raised will be used to fund training equipment and running costs.

Brian Gillies, chairman of Renton Craigandro FC, told the Reporter: “One of the main differences for us as a club is that we don’t have waiting lists and we welcome new players and kids into our teams. It was a conscious decision that we made as a club to help players without any waiting lists or need for any trials."

One of the other local factors is the recent closure of the Dumbarton FC youth system, with the club offering help for players released from that system.

Mr Gillies added: “We’ve been in contact with some of the ex-Dumbarton kids and one played for one of our teams over the weekend and we’ve helped to try and open some doors and offer an invitation to anyone who wants to play to come along.”

The fun day itself is believed to have netted close to £800 for the club, and it’s hoped the sponsored walk will raise between £400 and £500 when cash is collected.

Money will also help fund a tournament trip to Blackpool for the club’s age group sides.

Mr Gillies continued: “We’ve done fundraising events before, but this is the first time that we’ve invited the kids in to take part. It’s important for them to see that putting the effort into something and getting something back out of it.

“When they’re down in Blackpool for the tournament, they can remember the mud and rain on the walk and know they helped make it happen.”