Football teams cast traditional rivalries aside to put a smile on sick kids’ faces.
Teams from 15 youth clubs from across Glasgow and Central Scotland met for a festival of football at the Regional Football Centre in Toryglen.
As well as enjoying themselves they also raised £5000 for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation during the day, which was attended by Glasgow Deputy Lord Provost, Allan Stewart.
Shona Cardle, the Foundation’s chief executive, said: “We’re delighted organisers Mill United and Lanarkshire Football Development Association arranged this fantastic event and are donating the proceeds to the Foundation.
“It is touching that these young footballers are not only taking part in this tournament, but learning the importance of raising money to help sick children.
“It’s also great to see local football organisers promoting healthy lifestyles.”
A total of 265 children, aged between five and seven took part in the festival.
Team mascots from Motherwell, Celtic, Partick Thistle, Hamilton Accies and St Mirren were all there.
Daniel Reddiex, team manager of Mill United 2003s, said: “The main reason for organising the festival was to raise money for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation.
“However, the benefits for the kids taking part are endless.
“As a parent and a member of a community, I think it’s imperative that we take responsibility and get our children off the sofa, away from computer consoles, and encourage them to participate in sports like good old-fashioned football.”
Janathan Cavana, Child Healthy Weight Programme Manager for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Tackling increasing levels of childhood overweight and obesity is a priority area for NHS Lanarkshire.”
“This is best done by promoting healthy lifestyles for the whole family.”
In the last 20 years, the number of obese children in Scotland has tripled, with 10% of six-year-olds now clinically obese.
To donate to the cause or find out more visit: www.justgiving.com/DanielReddiex
