The petition — which garnered almost 500 signatures — was handed in to Garshake headquarters by members from both teams.

The young footballers want to use the astro pitches at Dumbarton Academy on weekday evenings and at weekends. The teams believe the pitches could be a great asset to the community if the clubs, and others, could book them for training and matches.

Dumbarton United has held previous bookings on the original pitch at Dumbarton Academy, before the new school was built. The team say it makes sense that the planning position should be reviewed and changed to allow the community use to return to the new astro pitches.

Dumbarton United AFC has over 270 players from the community and many have to use training facilities out with the Dumbarton area.

Gail Burgess, executive committee member of Dumbarton Riverside told the Reporter: “We’re restricted just now and it means the adult disability team have to travel to Hermitage Academy to use pitches that are floodlit.

“We did everything at the previous Dumbarton Academy and had a great relationship with Sports Development and for that to be taken away through no fault of our own, it’s hard hitting.

“We’re a quality marked club. We’re all qualified coaches and have over 200 members, and for those pitches to lie empty is a joke. It’s revenue for the council as well.” It is understood that currently the teams are not allowed to play on the pitches as one neighbour on Boghead Road, which backs onto the pitches has complained about noise.

Gail added: “I understand completely the planning has to be adhered to, so they could secure funding and the school could be built. However, we don’t think one person should dictate to an entire community. It’s children laughing and playing, it’s nothing major. We’ve even proposed it would finish at half eight so not to disturb people.” “This is now two years of campaigning to the council and Terry Lanagan. We suggested there could be a noise reducing fence, but the neighbour complained about that because it would be an eye sore.” No one from the council was available to take the petition from the campaigners but Educational Services Executive Director did release a statement to the clubs later that day.

When the Reporter asked if the council would consider changes being made to the plans, a spokeswoman said: “The petition was accepted by a member of staff on Friday who thanked the group for handing it in. The council’s Executive Director of Educational Services will be writing to the group to acknowledge receipt of the petition.”