A north-east football club has launched a partnership with a charity to offer free entry to the youngsters it helps.
Fraserburgh Football Club announced the move to link-up with Aberdeen charity Befriend a Child last night following discussions to allow anyone who volunteers with it to watch its Highland League games free of charge.
Finlay Noble, the chairman of Fraserburgh, said he was alerted to the work the charity does through the club’s former stopper, Neil Clark, who has links to the group.
“Having looked online and seen the fantastic work they do I didn’t hesitate to contact Katie Watters, the community and events fundraiser with Befriend a Child,” he added.
“Just by speaking with Katie on the phone I realised how committed she was and it was an easy decision to get involved in some way.
“We will have a specific day when they can come along to a home game and promote themselves but in the meantime we have agreed that we would love to see the children coming to Bellslea Park on a regular basis and are happy to allow the Befrienders in for free as well as the children.”
Befriend a Child supports youngsters aged between four and 16.
Katie Watters said: “Many of these children are at the greatest risk of exclusion, isolation, bullying and attracting stigma at school.
“These children are far less likely to do well in school then their better off classmates which in turn seriously harms their future life chances and perpetuates the cycle of poverty and places a significant financial burden on social services and the local community.
“We support over 300 children and young people through our core befriending and mentoring services and special projects and groups every year.
“We are delighted that Fraserburgh FC have kindly agreed to support our charity and help spread the word across the north-east.”
Fraserburgh play Rothes at home this afternoon.
