Charity nets big crowd at football fun day
Famous faces turn out for Back Onside event
Raising awareness of bullying and mental health issues was the goal for a special football event in Drymen recently featuring some familiar faces.
Ex-Rangers player Bob Malcolm and world champion wrestler and actor Grado were among those taking part in the Elite Legends Five-a-Side Football Tournament.
The event was aimed at raising funds for a new Back Onside pilot programme later this year at which Bob and former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson will work with those affected by issues such as poor mental health, disabilities, obesity and bullying.
Back Onside is aimed at helping those faced with such problems and linked to new not-for-profit company Elite Collaboration, led by Buchlyvie woman Libby Emmerson, who organised the tournament.
She said: “Back Onside’s very first five-a-side tournament was a great success, with 15 teams taking part at Drymen Football pitch.
“It was a great day of fun, laughter, food and everyone was kept watered by our sponsors Perfect Parties at ‘Our Wee Pub’.
“All the teams brought along lots of supporters including some from as far as Ayrshire.
“As well as it being fun, our main aim was to raise the profile of Back Onside and let everyone know who and what we do.
“Bob and I were delighted with the support on the day and along with Barry Ferguson and the team at Elite Collaboration we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made the day possible.
“We are now really excited to get our pilot up and running starting on October 4 and hope that everyone keeps supporting us and therefore helping to support people suffering from mental health issues, particularly young people.
“More than one in three people are affected by mental health problems each year and 75 per cent of mental health issues are believed to be established before the age of 24.
“Our is to use the potential that is within each of us, unlock it and motivate the person - boost their confidence and improve their selfvalue.
“Through a fun, interactive programme, Back Onside will combine classroom activities with training on the pitch.
“Using the skills and experience from Barry and Bob participants will be able to test the skills learned in the classroom in a practical environment.
“This will then transfer into practical sessions on the playing field during which they can put meaning to teamwork, leadership and problem solving.
“Initially the pilot will focus on football related initiatives to drive personal change, however we recognise that football may not appeal to all.
“After the pilot Elite Collaboration will strive to offer expert coaching in variety of other areas such as practical music and song-writing, dance, drama and sports.”
The Oriam (Sports and Performance centre for Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh) are working with Elite Collaborations to provide facilities to run classroom, practical and physical activities.
EC and The Oriam are working to target students and local schools to find young adults who would benefit from the course.
For more details or to donate see https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/backonside or www.elitecollaboration.co.uk.
As well as being a fun day, our main aim was to raise the profile of Back Onside