Inverness football academy founder hoping to change lives in African communities
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The owner of an international football academy hopes to "change lives" in its African communities with an action-packed and highly anticipated variety show in Inverness this May.
Mark Holmes, founder of the Mark Holmes International Football Academy, operates football coaching schools in several towns across the Highlands and Toronto Canada – but also has three operating in Africa.
With the Mark Holmes International Variety Show, to be held at the Drumossie Hotel on May 18, Mr Holmes plans to shine a spotlight on a new project to introduce sustainable food projects in the communities where his academies in Ghana, Zambia and Kenya are based.
Mr Holmes said: "The kids are struggling over there, so a lot of the money we raise will go in to the communities where the kids come from, buying things like beds, bedding, school books and upgrading facilities. Food is our main priority, but my hope is that with sustainable projects up and running, we be able to become self sufficient.
"My hope is that the Mark Holmes International Variety Show will allow us to put in place sustainable projects like buying chickens, and producing and selling eggs. If we can get this up and running it will make a real difference to these academies.
"Anything we can raise on the night will be more than what they have at the moment, so its important to try to bring in as much as we can from this event. People in the Highlands and beyond have been so supportive of the Mark Holmes Football Academy. Hopefully we can change some lives with this event."
The Mark Holmes International Variety Show promises an action packed evening of music, after-dinner speaking, dancing and table magic for its guests.
Attendees can look forward to a red carpet entrance featuring the British Legion Pipe Band, followed by a complimentary drink, saxophone music and canapés in the main hall of the Drumossie Hotel.
A speech from Mr Holmes will start proceedings before Beauly-based dance group Dance in Action take to the stage, serving up an entertaining introduction as guests take their seats for a sumptuous two-course meal.
After dinner, former Aberdeen and Ross County player Brian Irvine will hold a Question and Answer session, followed by a set from the Rude n' Good Adult comedy show. TruUnity Dance will then perform some burlesque dances.
The night will round off with music from Folk’d Up before an auction, raffle and a late night 80s/90s disco takes everyone into the early hours. MC and DJ on the night will be Kai from KBE.
Tickets for the event can be purchased from the Drumossie Hotel by calling 01463 236451 or via email at reception@drumossiehotel.co.uk.
