SITUATED 25 MILES NORTH OF GLASGOW LIES the expanse of Loch Lomond. This waterway is 23 miles long, over 600 ft. deep and lies in the morning shadow of Ben Lomond the most southerly of the famous Munro mountains of Scotland. At the south west corner of its triangular shape the Loch's clear water starts its short journey via a fertile valley to the sea. Travelling through the small towns and villages which have grown on its banks it eventually exits into the Clyde estuary at Dumbarton. It was from this small area and the amalgamation of two existing clubs that the Loch Lomond Rugby Club was formed in the summer of 1996.
The River Leven, through which the Loch empties its contents, lent its name to one of the founder clubs, Vale of Leven RFC. While at the river's end lies the other founder member, Dumbarton RFC within the ancient capital of Strathclyde and principal town of the region.
Born from rival clubs a new stronger club emerged. With this club came new responsibilities, the establishment and ownership of its own club house complete with bar and function suite. The club house and bar presented many new learning experiences the learning curve was steep and not without its own hazards. With professionalism looming and in preparation for the future the main area of concern moved from the game to establishing the club house as a viable financial proposition. At the end of the second season the club house was established financially and the members attentions turned to the sport itself. The formation of separate social and playing committees, and with them a professional attitude finally saw the direction of the clubs playing aspirations being forged.
The club currently runs two senior sides with the capabilities to run a third. Both sides compete in SRU appointed leagues with the 1st XV competing in National Division 5 West (Pool A). As part of the promotion of rugby football within the surrounding townships we actively canvas both junior and high schools and through this run several junior sides. This youth development initiative saw the first major influx of junior members into the senior sides in season 98-99. The introduction of the younger members to the senior sides, some of whom have now been playing longer than their senior counterparts, will be most welcome. It is hoped that in time these players will promote the club to higher and more challenging levels of competition.
As other local sides have shown it is possible to climb the league structure into the higher national leagues. This is our ultimate aim and we are now in the process of establishing the framework which will allow us to do this. A level of professionalism is now present in the club and we aim to continue this outlook as far as possible. We recognize that in order to succeed we need to attract the best young players and experienced coaching staff. Although still in its infancy the club house does supply the club with a source of income. It is planned to use this income to attract new players and coaches with a proven track record to the club, and to reward them appropriately.
The future is bright for the club with work already started on two new pitches for the 2005-2006 season. We already have our own floodlit all weather training area and plan to expand this as part of our ongoing commitment to the sport within the region. It is hoped that as the clubs stature grows so will its membership. Plans are already in place for expansion of the existing club house to accommodate the growth in popularity of the sport and our membership.
From the imagination of some key people, the gratitude of key sponsors and the determination of the Rugby fraternity within the area has grown a new club. Nurturing a burning ambition to succeed and promote its sport in the surrounding areas the club has come a long way since its two founders struggled from Saturday to Saturday with no direction. It has a long way yet to go and realizes that there are many more challenges to be overcome but it is focused and diligent and has the potential to succeed.
Should you wish to participate in the success of this young club either as a player, coach, social member or sponsor please contact us at:

Loch Lomond RFC
Beechwood Pavillion
Bonhill
Alexandria
Tel. 01389 752161