Fundraising drive to kit out Scottish kids ahead of Euros

March 30, 2021

We are raising money to buy Scotland shirts for children most impacted by the pandemic, ahead of this summer’s UEFA European Championships.

We are asking Scottish football fans to record themselves doing keepie-uppies, to pass the challenge on Twitter using the hashtag #KitForKids and to make a donation at a JustGiving page, with a target of £5,000. The most creative entry will win themselves a Scotland shirt ahead of the Euros.

They are being helped in their fundraising pursuit by Scotland Women stars Emma Mitchell, Lisa Evans and Lucy Graham and Scotland Men’s team striker Ché Adams and coach, Steven Reid who have recorded their keepie-uppie attempts and the national charity, Children 1st, who will distribute the kits to children across the country who have been most impacted by the pandemic. The Scottish FA have agreed to kick-start the fundraising effort with a donation of 200 kits.

The Terrace founder and star of the BBC Scotland show, A View From The Terrace Craig Fowler said:

“When we qualified in November there was a sense of togetherness and euphoria across Scotland. It was the bright spot in a very tough year for a lot of people, especially kids. We wanted that goodwill to continue.

“There are children who have never experienced the men’s team being at a major tournament and we want them to feel a part of it in the same way we did all the way back at France 98.

“We’ve set ourselves the target of £5,000 but in all honesty, we’d love to raise more and get as many kids kitted out in Scotland shirts as possible.”

Children 1st have agreed to distribute the shirts across the country. The charity supports children and their families in local communities, schools and through national services like Children 1st Parentline and Safeguarding in Sport.  One of their projects is Impact Football, based in East Lothian: an inclusive, all-ability group where children learn football skills, build confidence and make new friends while their families also connect. The mum of one young person who took part recently told us:

“He had lots of fun. He made new friends and felt happier at home after playing football.”

Like many of the young people that Children 1st works with, the young people who attend Impact Football have faced big challenges over the past year. Having the chance to own a Scotland shirt will raise their spirits and help them feel part of an exciting summer of football.

Gary Kernahan, Director of Fundraising for Children 1st, commented:

“We are delighted to be partnering with The Terrace on their generous-hearted Kits for Kids Appeal. Football kits are an inaccessible luxury for many of the families we work with. This initiative will bring a much-needed lift to children and young people across the country. Thank you to everyone who supports the appeal – and good luck Scotland!”

 


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