ABERLOUR YOUNGSTERS TRIP TO HAMPDEN THANKS TO TARTAN ARMY

THE Tartan Army teamed up with Scotland’s leading children’s charity to send a group of Moray youngsters to their first football match.

A group of 18 young people with learning difficulties went to see Scotland play the Czech Republic at Hampden Park.

The children all use the Moray Options service run by Aberlour Child Care Trust in Elgin, where they attend play schemes and after-school social clubs together.

The service also offers respite breaks with foster families and an educational facility for young people who are unable to attend a mainstream school.

On Saturday, September 9 the young people took the bus to Hampden with staff. They stopped off for a picnic at Pitlochry on the way, before arriving at the game.

The Tartan Army provided everyone with a football top, a ticket and some pocket money to spend.

Service manager Sheena Main said: “The staff and young people really appreciate the help given by the Tartan Army as we would be unable to provide this experience without their generous gift.

“The seats we had gave everyone a great view in the middle of the Tartan Army and the young people sang their hearts out and really participated in the atmosphere.

“One of our outcomes is increasing community-based relationships and reducing social isolation. This trip will enable the young people to use all their skills developed over the past months when attending their club.

“Thanks to the Tartan Army for giving us this opportunity. Moray Options young people had another successful trip that will be remembered as a fun experience for years to come.”

The Tartan Army Children’s Charity is run by football fans who fundraise all year round to support disadvantaged children, both at home and in the countries where Scotland go to play.

One of their initiatives is My First Scotland Match, which takes children from across Scotland to Hampden, to see their national team play.

TACC spokesman Carey McEvoy said: “a child’s first visit to Hampden for  Scotland match can be such an exciting and emotional experience, but we realise that many children simply won’t get this chance. We hope to give them a great day out and some memories to cherish.”