Ayrshire Post

Somerset Sleepout

- STUART WILSON

Ayr United fans dream of playing on Somerset Park’s hallowed turf.

Now they’ll have the chance to SLEEP on the famous pitch as part of a unique fundraiser.

Supporters will be given the opportunit­y to bunk down under the lights later this season.

It follows the club teaming up with homeless charity, SeAscape, to highlight problems encountere­d by rough sleepers.

SeAscape assistant CEO, Kelsey Kane, said: “We’re hugely excited about this as we think it’s a first for Ayrshire.

“Sleepouts are growing in popularity, but they tend to be big city events.

“As an Ayr fan myself, I was keen to approach the club with this idea and they were more than keen to come on board.

“It will be interestin­g to see what kind of turnout we get.

“For fans of the club, sleeping under the stars at their stadium should be a real thrill.”

United stars Robbie Crawford, Andy Murdoch, Craig Moore and Declan McDaid launched the event this week by trying out their own sleeping bags on the pitch.

And fans will get the chance for themselves on Saturday, April 6.

Kelsey, 29, said: “This will obviously be attractive to Ayr fans but it’s not just restricted to them.

“We’d love to see as many people as possible attend and make a night of it.

“In time, it would be fantastic to see this become an annual event.”

Ayr’s commercial manager, Graeme Miller, added: “I’ve already spoken to a few supporters who can’t wait to reserve their sleeping bag.

“We think this is a fantastic cause and look forward to seeing a big crowd on the night.”

Participan­ts will be asked to pay a £ 5 registrati­on fee before fundraisin­g.

For more informatio­n and a welcome pack, text SLEEP to 07418- 314- 300.

 ??  ?? In the bag Ayr stars join SeAscape’s Kelsey Kane launching the big Somerset event
In the bag Ayr stars join SeAscape’s Kelsey Kane launching the big Somerset event

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom