Old Firm legends Bertie Auld and Derek Johnstone have backed a youth football team's fundraising efforts.

Dumbarton United Blacks 2005s formed in the summer and are raising money to help the side through a Christmas raffle, with prizes including signed football tops, signed footballs, stadium tours, tickets to football matches, restaurant vouchers and more.

Lisbon Lion Auld has donated a signed Celtic ball, while radio pundit Johnstone, who netted 210 goals during his Rangers career, has donated a ball signed by himself and the Clyde 1 team.

The team's head coach David Lavery told the Reporter: "We started with me and four boys and now have four coaches, a squad of 19 boys and a fantastic group of parents who support the team.

"As a new team we were looking at ways we could raise funds for equipment and kit and through reaching out to contacts I have built up over the years in football and through life.

"We have managed to get some fantastic support for the team, which includes Bertie Auld, The Clyde 1 Superscoreboard team, Hamilton Academical, Hearts of Midlothian, Celtic and Rangers who have all donated generously to help the team.

"When I started this team I hoped it would be a success but I could never have imagined how well it has gone and the support not just locally but from some of the legends in the game such as Bertie Auld and Derek Johnston has been unreal."

The squad are already playing in style after Dumbarton FC's C&G Systems stepped in at the beginning of the summer to offer a substantial contribution towards new kits.

David added: "Our sponsor C & G systems have been fantastic in providing us with a link to Dumbarton FC who have also kindly donated towards the team.

"Our boys have also been invited to be ball boys for Dumbarton this season which is a fantastic experience for them.

"It’s overwhelming the support for the team not just from a footballing side of things but we have also received support from lots of local businesses. The donations received will all go towards our Christmas raffle which will hopefully raise the funds we need."

Dumbarton United are currently celebrating their 60th anniversary and as part of that the team enjoyed a trip to see Manchester City thrash Burley 5-0 on October 20.

But before taking in the Premier League fixture at the Etihad, the youngsters took part in different football activities at the fan zone at the club's training ground.

The squad even met some of the Under 18s team and Manchester United's head of youth coaching and former player Nicky Butt, as well as the Community Shield, FA cup and Premier League trophies.

David said: "It was amazing from start to finish and a day the boys will remember for a long time. The set up at Manchester is unbelievable and it was fantastic for a group of boys who have only been together a matter of months to experience."

The raffle will be held on December 15 and anyone interested in purchasing a ticket can do so through the team's Facebook page Dumbarton United Blacks 2005s or outside of the C&G systems stadium on Saturday November 10, when Sons take on Stenhousemuir.