Inverness v Ross-shire select charity football match set to open new 'state of the art' pitch
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Footballers from Inverness and Ross-shire will come together for a charity match next week to mark the formal opening of a new state of the art sports pitch in Dingwall.
The recently upgraded all-weather pitch at Dingwall Academy will host the "friendly" showdown between select sides from Inverness and Easter Ross, with the help of amateur clubs across the region.
The new pitch, which has now been handed the seal of approval from FIFA, was upgraded as part of summer programme to improve school sports facilities, which also included the pitch at Millburn Academy in Inverness.
Mears Group, who look after ten schools across the region on behalf of Highland Council, organised the game to formally open the new park.
Stuart MacPherson, project manager for Mears Group, said: "The pitches were nearing end of life, so we started a tender process last year and eventually chose a company called All Sports Construction, who specialise in pitch replacement, to do the work. They then ripped out the old pitches, put in a new base layer, shock pads, new carpet and lining, and goals.
"We are happy with the result. Technology testers Sports Labs have been in to carry out approved FIFA testing on the pitch and it has passed. We will be getting something organised for the Academy too, so that they can demonstrate this.
"As a celebration of having this new state of the art facility here in the local community, we wanted to find a way to formally open the new pitch while also raising some money for charity.
"We have identified two local charities to benefit from the match – Mikeysline, and Dream Believe Achieve Highland – who we hope will benefit strongly from it."
The inter-county contest, which will be played on the evening of Wednesday, August 30 with a kick off time of 7.30pm, will be marked with the presentation of a new trophy and an award for man of the match.
Highland Amateur Cup winners Avoch have provided strips for the Ross-shire team, while North Caledonian League club Inverness Athletic have offered up their kit for the city eleven.
Mr MacPherson added: "We approached some people involved in amateur teams within the Ross-shire and Inverness area to form a select team for each area to compete in an amateur charity game.
"The idea has been really well received by the guys who have got involved. There used to be, years ago, a Ross-shire select and Inverness select game that was played every year, so it's good to be able to bring that back.
"We have a trophy organised, a man of the match award and also some gifts for the referees who are giving up their time to come along and officiate the match.
"Fundraising activities have been taking place in the lead up to the game, and we've managed to raise a bit already through donations and some local generosity, and we hope to do more on the day, with a raffle and other fundraising."
