Footie legends to host charity match
Footballing legends are heading for Drymen on Sunday to host a charity football day aimed at raising funds for a new mental health project.
Sportsmen, including former Scotland captain Barry Ferguson and fellow Rangers player Bob Malcolm, are supporting Buchlyvie woman Libby Emmerson.
Her new not-for-profit company Elite Collaboration aims to empower young adults and adults who suffer from issues such as poor mental health, disabilities, obesity and bullying through its project“Back Onside”.
The Drymen event – the Elite Legends Five-a-Side Football Tournament – will raise funds for a new Back Onside pilot programme later this year at which Barry and fellow coach and former Rangers player Bob Malcolm will work with those affected, using football as a starting point.
The fundraiser on Sunday at the Drymen United pitch in Glasgow Road includes a post-match mingle with the stars in the Drymen Inn and a raffle and auction.
Libby said:“Back Onside is a project that Elite Collaboration, along with our patrons Barry Ferguson MBE and Bob Malcolm, have put together.
“Mental health problems affect one in four British people, with the rate of young adults developing issues rising from year to year.
“We want to find these people and help motivate them – boost their confidence – and unlock all the potential they have within themselves.
“Through a fun, interactive programme, Back Onside will combine classroom activities - focusing on shaping people’s outlook on themselves and life and how to take steps in improving their future opportunities and harness potential they never realised they had – with training on the pitch where, with help from Barry and Bob, everyone gets to test the skills learned in the classroom in a practical environment.
“On the pitch they can put meaning to teamwork, leadership and problem solving.
“It takes place on August 29 for seven weeks in Edinburgh for up to 10 16-24-year-olds. They can come from anywhere and be self-referred or referred by schools, doctors or organisations.
“This is about targeting help to people who genuinely need it.”
Elite Collaboration also hopes to start offering expert coaching in other sports as well as practical music and songwriting sessions, dance, drama and more.
For more details or to donate see https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/backonside or www. elitecollaboration.co.uk.