The former head of Dumbarton FC's youth system is to lead attempts to find former players a new team after the club disbanded its youth system last week.

The club released a statement saying that it had made the "unavoidable" decision to withdraw from the Club Academy Scotland programme due to decreasing grant funding coming from the SFA and uncertainty over the 'Project Brave' programme.

Tony McNally was the man in charge of the youth system last season, and says that he has put the responsibility on himself to find the club's former players new homes and has been encouraged by the response of some local boys' clubs.

He said: "Every player now needs a new club, and I've made it my job to find them one. There are no guarantees, but I think that the local clubs will benefit and I think that the boys themselves will benefit from being involved in a proper pathway and not simply being there to make up the numbers."

"The club put responsibility for these kids on myself and I think it would have been unfair for me to wish them all the best and walk out of the door. It's about trying to find 86 kids a club and doing the right thing knowing them as I do."

The Reporter has been in touch with several local boys clubs who have registered their interest in picking up boys of various ages who have now been forced to look for new homes after the closure of the Dumbarton system.

Mr McNally said that he would be attempting to hold individual discussions with players and their families, but said that some discussions would involve some "harsh realities".

He continued: "The social impact of this is important - some kids have dreams of being professional footballers, but some kids just want to be active and we need to find each player the proper level for what they want out of the game.

"I think the kids will benefit in a positive way and certainly the boys clubs will see some of that positivity. Of course, the boys clubs themselves will also see opportunities for a better squad and a better reality for themselves, but it's clearly a good thing that the local clubs are getting involved."

Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie condemned the club's decision to shut down the youth system.

She said: "“This is a very disappointing decision and I hope that the young footballers from across Dumbarton and the Vale who are affected will find new opportunities to continue their development. Grassroots football is so important for the future of the game yet the SFA’s decision to cut funding for the academy programme has left Dumbarton FC, and many other smaller clubs across Scotland, in a difficult position.

"While the decision is regrettable, I hope that Dumbarton FC will find other ways to invest in the next generation of first-team players.”