Teen footie stars wanted for fundraising competition

Jul 7 2011 West Lothian Courier

TEENAGE footballers in West Lothian can get involved with a special Soccer Sevens tournament which will prove a real treat for football fans and raise thousands of pounds for research into an illness which is claiming more and more young lives very year.

Ayrshire businessman Russell Drummond is backing a day out with a difference which is taking place at Lochburn Park – the home of Maryhill Juniors – on Sunday, July 24.

Russell, boss of the Irvine-based PMG 24/7 Group, a transport and courier business, is not only helping as he is also putting his hand in his pocket to make sure it raises as much cash as possible.

The event is being held to raise money for the Tommy Burns Skin Cancer Trust and, fittingly, is being held at the ground where former Celtic, Killie and Scotland star Tommy began his football career.

The highlight of the day is a game between a team of former Celtic players managed by ex-Celt Jackie McNamara who is now boss of Partick Thistle and a Maryhill Select.

This is the latest in a long line of charitable ventures Russell has been involved with and he only learned about it when he was in Thailand with the Scotland Seniors team last month.

“As soon as I heard about it I wanted to help,” he said.

“At first I was going to sponsor the strips for the Celtic team, but rather than waste money on strips we’ll get loan kit and I’ll make a donation to the Trust instead and also be involved in organising the event.”

Russell is looking for two boys Under 14 teams to take part in the Soccer Sevens tournament before the big match and he’s also been given a place in the Celtic team to raffle or auction to raise even more cash.

“I know just how much Tommy's widow Rosemary and the family have put into setting up this Trust and we're all desperate to raise as much money as possible,” added Russell.

“So if you're doing nothing else that day I'd urge you to stick the family in the car and get along to Lochburn Park and make it a huge success.“

Doors open for the boys' tournament at 1pm and tickets, £5 adults, £1 child or £10 for two adults and four kids include entry to the prize draw and a children's souvenir.