Football fans and families are being urged to turn out for a charity match in Lumphinnans this weekend in aid of mental health support and veterans’ causes.
Black Watch Veterans will take on The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) – the current regular Army battalion – at Lumphinnans Sports Hub, Gagarin Way (KY4 9HW), on Saturday, March 28, with kick-off at 12pm.
It follows a similar Black Watch Veterans v 3 SCOTS fixture staged in November to coincide with Remembrance, which drew strong support from the local community.
The latest event has been organised to raise funds for male suicide prevention group Tartan Talkers and The Black Watch Association, which supports former members of the regiment and their families.
Organisers Gary and Lesley - who own The Forty Twa Cafe in Cowdenbeath - say everyone is welcome to come along, enjoy the football and help boost donations for the two charities.
As well as the match itself – which the organisers jokingly describe as “auld fat ex forces running about trying to play football again” – there will be family fun throughout the afternoon, including bouncy castles for children, a tombola, raffles and refreshments.
Both teams will be piped onto the park together before kick-off, and at half-time spectators will be invited to take part in a crossbar challenge and a penalty shoot-out.
After the final whistle and trophy presentation, supporters are invited back to The New Woodside Hotel on Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, for an informal after party, where a free half measure of vodka or whisky, or a tea or coffee, will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Local businesses have rallied round to support the day, with the organisers highlighting the backing of Cowdenbeath Central FC, The New Woodside Hotel, John Gilfillan Funeral Directors, Fifes Gutter & Fascia Cleaning & Repair Specialist and Katrina Spence, among others, who have donated prizes, kit and services.
They also thanked Ryan Cowie of Central Belt Bounces and Jordan Lithgow of JL Castles for providing bouncy castles for youngsters, and Piers at Name Droppers for supplying new quarter-zip tops for the veterans’ side.
Organisers have issued a heartfelt thank you to all players, sponsors and volunteers who have helped put the day together and are now asking the wider community to turn out and show its support.
They are also encouraging people to spread the word so the event can attract as big a crowd as possible and raise strong donations for Tartan Talkers and The Black Watch Association.
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