Linwood kids get back in the thick of the action

Talented Linwood footballers were delighted to get back on the pitch after months away from the game they love.

The young boys and girls travelled to ON-X Linwood for friendly games this weekend that for many represented their first action back since the latest lockdown began to ease.

Kids from St Convals AFC, Linwood Rangers, Parkmoore and Erskine did battle as they got themselves back up to speed with the beautiful game.

St Convals AFC coach Eddie Garity was over the moon to see his players lacing up their boots again after so long in cold storage.

He told Express Sport: “It was a huge relief to be back in action in our first friendly since the last lockdown kicked in.

“We had an extended break, as the rules were pretty tough in terms of contact and what we could and couldn’t do.

“We brought them back as soon as possible when non-contact returned, but seeing them play freely like they did on Saturday was something else.

“It was great to see them with a smile on their faces again.

“It’s been very tough for them mentally, so to see them all back together with their friends made a massive difference.

“I was pretty surprised with how well it went as well in terms of how they all played.

“They play on pretty big pitches for seven-a-side games, but they all looked just as energetic as they normally do.

“To be honest they didn’t even look like they’d been away!”

Many clubs around Renfrewshire are now gearing up for the return of competitive action, with St Convals AFC preparing for their return to Paisley and District action this weekend.

Garity is looking forward to getting back to league business but insists the most important thing is keeping the youngsters back on the pitch and keeping them happy.

He said: “The league restarts this weekend which is a great milestone to hit after everything we’ve been through.

“We’re all just praying now that we don’t have to deal with another lockdown, because it’s been so hard on everybody.

“Building up their fitness now is our main priority as it’s been harder to stay active with all the restrictions we’ve had to deal with.

“The most important thing as always though is just to keep the kids happy.

“As long as they’re having fun, that’s all that matters and we’ll keep doing everything we can to make sure that keeps happening.”