Football clubs across the north and north-east are doing their bit to ensure people don’t feel lonely this Christmas.
Peterhead Football Club (PFC) was part of the SPL Trust’s Festive Friends scheme in 2016, which asked 25 club owners across the country to open their doors to those in the community who would be alone for the festive season.
Each served up Christmas dinner while players and staff gave up their time to serve and speak to the elderly – many of whom will be alone for the season.
This year, PFC will again invite those with nowhere else to go to Balmoor for a free lunch on Wednesday.
Inverness Caley Thistle will also host the event, for the third year in a row, on the same day. Guests to the Tulloch Caledonian stadium will enjoy a free Christmas meal and a gift.
Craig Masterton, head of community for the club, said: “At ICTFC we recognise the difficulties that many older people face during the festive period, and the impact this can have on their physical and mental health. Festive Friends is a very simple but hugely effective project to make a real difference and provide a memorable day.”
Ross County FC is hosting a similar event for pensioners on Monday.
Everyone at the Dingwall event will get a meal and a complimentary hamper.
Nat Porter, PFC’s community officer, said the scheme was “desperately needed”.
“The reality is, when you don’t eat well and spend far too much time on your own you risk your physical and mental health,” he said.
Mr Porter can be contacted at the club on 01779 478256 or by e-mail at nat.porter@peterheadfc.co.uk
To find out about the north events, call Mr Masterton on 01463 227473 or Ross County on 01349 860860.