Inverness side Gellions AFC boosts Mikeysline's funds after match in Aberdeen
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AN Inverness pub football team travelled to a match in Aberdeen last weekend to help raise funds for local mental health charity Mikeysline and other similar groups.
Gellions AFC who play in the Inverness and District Amateur League took on Team Kickabout in a friendly match at the Balmoral Stadium, home of Scottish Championship side Cove Rangers.
Team Kickabout was formed to help dads get out and enjoy the mental health benefits of taking part in playing relaxed football and socialising.
Michael Logie (33) player manager for Gellions AFC took a squad of 22 players to Aberdeen with the aim of 11 playing the first half and another 11 coming on in the second half.
He said that the trip went really well and they raised around £3000. Gellions AFC won 1-0.
Mr Logie explained that he knew one of the Team Kickabout people from working offshore in the past, and the connection was made.
He said: “Some of the team members have close knowledge of mental health issues and it can be closer to home than a lot of people realise, so we thought it would be good to lend our support and raise awareness of what has become a growing problem in many places.
“We hope playing football can be a way for men who are notorious for not expressing their feelings on stress and worries can meet safely and talk to each other.
“I feel it’s important to show awareness and the strength of the community in a rising issue surrounding mental health.”
Mikeysline was founded in late 2015 after a tragic number of suicides in the Highland area.
It focusses on breaking down the stigma which often surrounds mental health and suicide that can prevent people from feeling that they can talk openly about how they are feeling and seeking support when they need it.
Mikeysline’s motto is It’s OK Not To Be OK.
Mr Logie thanked the sizeable team of local companies who backed the fundraiser.
Team Kickabout is hoping that more teams will gradually be formed throughout the UK.
