Dumbarton Football Club marks its 150th anniversary this Friday, with community figures hailing the Sons for hitting the milestone.
Formed on December 23, 1872, the Sons of the Rock were one of the most successful teams in the early years of Scottish football – lifting the first two Scottish Football League titles, and winning the 1883 Scottish Cup.
And this weekend Dumbarton will celebrate a century-and-a-half of football with a programme of events prior to their Christmas Eve fixture with East Fife.
West Dunbartonshire was a hotbed of football in the late Victorian era – but now just two names from that time remain, Vale of Leven and Dumbarton.
The Vale, formed just a few months before the Sons, marked their 150th birthday in August.
And Sons’ club historian Jim McAllister explained the impact Dumbarton had as football grew in popularity.
He said: “In the early days of football in the 1880s and 1890s Dumbarton toured England and Northern Ireland showcasing football.
“Queen’s Park and Dumbarton took football to parts of England and Ireland. They developed the game.
“But the very history of Dumbarton was started by the Vale of Leven when a group of shinty players went to watch Queen’s Park play the Vale.
“They watched on the Saturday, had a meeting at Levengrove Park on the Sunday and formed the football club on the Monday.
“1872 was very much the year Scottish football took off.
“In that year alone six clubs were formed in West Dunbartonshire; Vale of Leven, Renton, Alclutha, Dunbritton, Kilmaronock Thistle and Dumbarton.
“Across Scotland, 36 teams were formed in 1872.
“In Dunbartonshire, linked to the Scottish Football Association, there have been 47 clubs.
“Of those 47 however, only one is left.”
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie said: “It is a fantastic milestone for Dumbarton Football Club to reach 150 years.
“My thanks and congratulations go to the club officials, players, management team and of course the fans for believing in and backing the Sons.
“This club is steeped in history and the team continues to gather fans across the globe.
“The emergence of the Young Sons also shows how there is an appetite from the younger members of the Dumbarton community which is encouraging as the club aims to build going forward.
“It was a true pleasure to visit recently for a match alongside my colleague Anas Sarwar. A chilly day and a draw which could well have been a win didn’t dampen the spirits of the fans.
“It was a joy to meet supporters, with many travelling hundreds of miles to see the team play, including one fan who had made the journey all the way from the Isle of Man. That is true dedication.
“Dumbarton will go down in history as one of the oldest clubs in Scotland and I sincerely hope that it continues to grow in the years to come.
“It will certainly always have a special place in my heart.”
West Dunbartonshire MP, Martin Docherty-Hughes tabled a motion at Westminster paying tribute to the Sons, and commented: “In Parliament, I’ve paid tribute to Dumbarton FC and warmly congratulate everyone at the club on their 150th anniversary.
“Two of my own family members have had the honour of playing for the Sons, and enjoyed a lot of great memories over the years.
“As one of the earliest established football clubs in Scotland and worldwide, the club can rightly be proud of its rich history.
“I wish all the fans, players and coaching team the best of luck for the rest of this season – and every success for the future.”
John McFall, Baron McFall of Alcluith, former MP for Dumbarton, and current Lord Speaker added: “When I was approached to spearhead the fundraising effort to help Dumbarton Football Club stay in business in 2000, I was conscious of the important role it has played in our community over many years.
“This includes giving our young people joy and inspiration, and making Dumbarton a fixture on the global football results stage. I wish the Club all the best for its 150th year.”
