HILLFOOTS Rugby Club is gearing up for the start of the new season with excitement building towards the Wee County derby against Alloa this Saturday.

The Tillicoultry-based club, recently promoted to the Caledonia Region League Division 1 with a young squad, are looking to improve on their sixth-place finish.

New head coach, Murray Brown, joined Hillfoots from Lenzie over the summer and has been impressed with the commitment from the squad in preseason training.

The club has also been making the most of their partnership with local business uGym, the fitness centre based at Devonpark Mills, whose expert staff have been working with the squad to improve their overall fitness, strength and conditioning.

New sponsorship convener, David Simpson, hit the high streets of the Hillfoots in the build up to the local derby, sponsored by Tillicoultry Quarries.

He said: "The support and goodwill towards the club really is brilliant, with over 45 high street businesses showing their support for Hillfoots in the upcoming derby match. Keep your eyes peeled for our 'We're behind Hillfoots' posters throughout the community."

David continued: "One area I'm absolutely focused on is that we're giving our sponsors value for money for their financial support.

"As a company director myself, I know the hard work that goes into building a profitable business, and you absolutely need to see a positive return on any investment - whether it be financial, increased visibility of your business or to increased employee engagement with your company.

"I believe Hillfoots RFC offers a positive return for your support and would be delighted to talk to business owners more about our club and the packages available."

If you would like to know more about sponsorship opportunities with Hillfoots Rugby Club please contact David Simpson, david@northcentraloffice.co.uk

The club is always on the look-out for new members, playing and non-playing. Hillfoots RFC currently runs two senior teams so there are opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to take part.

Senior training is every Tuesday and Thursday evening in Tilly Public Park from 6.45pm. Also on Thursday evenings is the popular 'Family Touch Rugby' run by the club's energetic rugby development officer, Barry Munro.

The club encourages mums and dads, sons and daughters to enjoy an hour or so of touch rugby every Thursday evening from 7pm in the park.

Sunday mornings from 10am is when the P1 to P7 boys and girls train and play under the guidance of the club's fantastic team of fully qualified kids' coaches.

Finally, the club is entering its second season of partnership with Falkirk and Grangemouth RFCs to provide rugby for S1 to U18 age-groups as part of the combined Kelpies club.