Street Soccer Scotland Sponsor’s Visit

Cairney & Company are delighted to partner with Street Soccer Scotland as a sponsor of the women’s team who recently travelled to Ireland for a tournament.  Street Soccer Scotland, is a wonderful charity that provide free football themed training and personal development opportunities for socially disadvantaged groups across Scotland. As one of the sponsors of the women’s team, Development Operations Executive, Donna Brown was delighted to be invited to a training session to meet the team who run Street Soccer, the players and some of their ambassadors. Below Donna shares her experience of the day.

“I was so delighted to be able to attend the event! I had the privilege of meeting Rebecca Hook (Events Manager), Heather Manson (Head of Fundraising), and David Duke (CEO and Founder) as the women trained in Glasgow in preparation for an upcoming tournament in Dublin.

Rebecca facilitated a quick meet and greet with the team and it was an opportunity to hear first-hand about all the work that goes into making this fantastic initiative such a huge success.

Heather introduced me to the players and gave an insightful overview of how it all began and the impact it has had on both male and female members over the last 15 years. The charity has touched the lives of over 25,000 players since it began in 2009 and given hope and support to players across the country.

The Charity runs sessions every week of the year and there is no registration process, you simply turn up and play. There are regional clubs across Scotland including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Fife and Ayr with more planned as, due to the social and economic climate, the numbers looking for support continue to grow.

There was a real sense of camaraderie amongst the players and the staff which was wonderful to see.

The Charities aim is to create purpose, hope and relationships using football to support people on their journey to security and happiness and it was evident on the day just how much of a difference these people are making.” – Donna Brown, Operations Executive

To give you a sense of the impact this amazing charity has on the lives of those it helps, we want to share just one example.

This is Jennifer’s story.

Jennifer is 33 years old and lives in Glasgow.

After finding herself at a bit of a crossroads in life, it was amidst the turmoil that she believes fate intervened a bit for her in the form of a flyer tucked away in a local shop for an open day with the Street45 program at Street Soccer. 

Taking the flyer away with her, she looked at it several times before deciding to come along. Jennifer used to play football when she was younger and had always wanted to go back but because of work and family obligations, everything including her own well-being took a backseat, leaving her trapped in that vicious circle.

With a mixture of nerves and determination, Jennifer made the decision and seized the opportunity, while recognising for the first time in a long time that the time for change had come. On the day of the open session, the nerves started to overwhelm her, but determination and her love for football was stronger.

Despite self-doubt and fear making her feel sick and after her third time of walking back to her car to leave. One of the Street Soccer team spotted her and came over, that was when she made the decision just go with her to the pitch.

From there, she was welcomed with open arms by what she now calls her Street Soccer Scotland family.

“I have never looked back I found not only my love for the game reignited but also a sanctuary where laughter, banter, true friendships, and a genuine care is always awaiting you.”

Selected to represent Team Scotland, Jennifer’s heart swells with a full range of emotions.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity; I will feel privileged to wear the jersey yet still in disbelief and overcome with pride.  We are now preparing for the tournament and the bond with my teammates is growing stronger with each session. Due to the guidance of inspirational coaches who have created a place where we can come together with a real sense of belonging.”

Looking ahead, Jennifer’s goals are clear and quite simple.

“I intend to continue with my involvement with Street45 sessions, because this is my sanctuary where I know I am not judged in any way both on and off the pitch, I know it’s a bit of a cliché but That’s the power of our Street Soccer family and the beautiful game of football.”

To read more about the amazing work Street Soccer Scotland does, you can do so here.

“I was invited as a guest to Street Soccer’s Scotland annual fundraising dinner and was inspired by the resilience, tenacity and humbleness of the women who spoke. It was amazing to hear their stories and the impact that Street Soccer Scotland has had on their lives and how they now feel so much part of a big extended family.  At the heart of Cairney & Company is a philosophy of supporting our communities by helping to make change happen and the work of Street Soccer is transforming the lives of so many and we are delighted to be supporting them over the coming year”.

Karen Cairney, CEO & Founder, Cairney & Company