SQUAD GOALS
Big-hearted footy team kick-off donation drive for local kids
KIND footballers from Gourock have kicked off a festive donation drive in an effort to make sure every local child has a gift this Christmas.
Gourock FC are running a Christmas toy appeal, setting up collection points at all of Inverclyde’s Co-op stores as well as the MacGregor Bar and The Whisky Room in Gourock, until December 15.
The team are hoping to match the success of last year’s appeal, which netted £5,000 worth of donations and gifts for needy kids. Team manager Adam Beaton told the Tele his side were delighted to be doing their part for the local community.
He said: “Last year we were just shy of £5,000 handed over in donations and gifts, which was brilliant.
“If we get half of that this year I’m happy.
“Even helping one person is special and I’ll be pleased with whatever we hand over.
“I’ve always wanted helping good causes to be a big part of our club.
“You can be a club that just plays football, but when we started Gourock FC we t h o u g h t there were opportunities for us to really get involved in the community. It’s good to show that.
“We’re really lucky that we get to go play football on a Sunday, it’s not an opportunity that everyone gets.
“It’s really important no matter what level of sport you’re playing that you appreciate that.
“Doing things like this give the boys a chance to show that.
“We want to do our part locally.”
The toy appeal has a recommended spend of £10 and the side are requesting that those donating only hand over new items.
An exception will be made for old video game consoles with games. All donations will be given to Children in Poverty Inverclyde and Inverclyde Child Services.
Edward Mackay, Co-op’s Inverclyde member pioneer, says they are delighted to support the team’s appeal.
He added: “We try to do a lot for the local community and will do anything we can to help out.
“We work closely with Children In Poverty Inverclyde so it’s great to see them being supported.”
Those who wish to donate to the appeal online can do so at https://bit.ly/3UWGWD0 and any other enquiries can be directed to Gourock FC’s Facebook page.