Police officers and firefighters will go head-to-head in a charity football match this summer, becoming the first teams to play at a brand new Highland League stadium in the process.
The emergency service clash – dubbed the Battle of the Badges – will kick off at 2pm on June 30 at Balmoral Stadium, the new home of Cove Rangers.
The teams hope the fixture will help to raise significant sums for sick children across the north east.
The Archie Foundation, official charity of the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH), is to be the beneficiary.
It will be the first fixture to be played at the new stadium as it is being staged before Cove Rangers own players take to the pitch for a competitive match.
Each member of the 15-strong police and fire and rescue teams will be paired with a mascot – all of whom are current or former patients at RACH.
Over the next few months, all the partners will be working together to raise funds for Archie and boost awareness of the charity.
That hasn’t stopped local police taking to social media to stoke-up a little friendly rivalry, however, with officers claiming it would be “no contest”.
Police Inspector Colin Taylor said: “We’re delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile cause and of course will relish the opportunity to take on our colleagues from the SFRS.”
“This promises to be a great event and we’re looking forward to getting involved.”
David Farries, the SFRS deputy assistant chief officer for the north of Scotland added: “The SFRS does so much more than just fight fires.
“Our firefighters are also role models for young people.
“They serve at the very heart of their communities and will always stand ready to assist charitable funding wherever possible.
“We also never shy away from a challenge – especially one from our police partners – and we are delighted to throw our weight behind this fundraiser.”
For more details or to purchase tickets, visit www.battleofthebadges.co.uk.
