The Leven Trails        

In the story of modern, World football the towns and villages on the banks of the River Leven as it descends from Loch Lomond at Balloch to the Clyde at Dumbarton literally played both a unique and pivotal role. 

Alexandria, its team, Vale of Leven F.C., "The Vale", with Bonhill across the water are the source, a full decade before the English equivalent, of the working-class game, perhaps the first manifestation of fitness on on-field success and the real genesis of the passing-game, at first the Scottish and now the World's passing-game. 

Then a decade later from neighbouring and still more working-class Renton would emerge as a direct development of The Vale's innovations a new style of play and a formation to match. It would sweep by imitation and player-transfer rapidly through Scottish and much of English football before, by travelling and emigrant Scots, being carried worldwide. It would also mark the first real, Irish impact on our game. 

Alexandria & Bonhill

Renton