A COMMUNITY football club is hoping to convince council chiefs to give them a pitch of their own.

Bridge of Weir United FC want to agree an asset transfer with Renfrewshire Council for facilities at Houston Park, on the outskirts of the village.

If successful, the club will turn the greenspace into a new home for its many youth teams.

At present, the teams have to train and play at various pitches across Renfrewshire.

Club chairman Ronnie Palin is convinced a deal for Houston Park would help take them to the next level.

He told The Gazette: “Having the new facilities would help us to attract funding and hopefully encourage more people to get involved and kids to join the club and see the benefits of playing.

“We want to use the park. The pavilion is already in an ideal condition to be used for changing rooms and showers. It even has facilities, so it could be used for gala days and events like that.

“The plans are to then get the pitch in ideal condition and ensure there is suitable drainage so it can be used for 11-a-side matches as, right now, there are some issues there.”

The plans for an asset transfer have already received the backing of Bridge of Weir Community Council.

It is hoped that financial support could be secured from the likes of the Big Lottery Fund.

Mr Palin said: “We have a five-year plan and can get to work on this as soon as the asset transfer is complete.

“The council has been really encouraging and we have seen the success of Erskine Boys Club, who did a similar thing not so long ago.

“The idea really came from club stalwart Joe Gibson, who mentioned that the facilities were previously used but hadn’t been for about eight years.

“Our plan is to grow the club, with the help of the local community. We have ambitions to introduce more age groups, a girls’ team and hopefully move into 11-a-side football.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We’re committed to supporting viable projects which bring assets into community ownership and ensure that local facilities are being put to productive use.

“We are currently providing support and guidance to Bridge of Weir United FC.”