Shelter Scotland and Play For Change selected as football body feels it can work with them to help make a difference
Homelessness charity Shelter Scotland has been selected as one of the first ever official charity partner of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).
Selected from a total of 45 applications, Shelter will benefit from a range of fundraising and awareness raising opportunities throughout the game.
It was selected alongside Play For Change, which works with disadvantaged children in Scotland and internationally.
The charities will be allowed use of the SPFL logo, granted advertising boards inside stadiums and get free tickets and other marketing assets for the 2014/15 league season and upcoming semi-finals and finals of the Scottish League Cup.
Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “Football can be a powerful force for good and plays an important role in community life across Scotland. By working together with the SPFL we will be able to reach more people and reassure them it is okay to seek help and support, no matter who they are.
“Almost half of Scotland’s homeless people are single men, with many of them football fans. With this partnership, the SPFL and Shelter Scotland can raise awareness about the housing crisis in Scotland and help even more people in need.”
Almost half of Scotland’s homeless people are single men, with many of them football fans. With this partnership, the SPFL and Shelter Scotland can raise awareness about the housing crisis in Scotland
Play for Change aims to improve the lives of children through sport and education by increasing their leadership skills and confidence.
Phillip Caputo, executive director at Play for Change, said: “Together, Play for Change and the SPFL can do great things and help support and restore the lives of vulnerable children.
“This partnership will help us provide sport and education opportunities in disadvantaged areas of Scotland, as well as internationally. Football is the ideal way to get our message across and we were honoured to be selected ahead of so many other worthwhile organisations.”
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster added: “Choosing our first official charity partners was incredibly tough as there were so many deserving charities. The volume of applications exceeded all expectations, so we thank all those organisations who took the time to apply.
“However, after much deliberation, we decided on two very worthy partners who we believe we can work in partnership with to help make a difference to the lives of many.
“Through a number of platforms, the charities will be able to reach millions of Scottish football fans from across the world and as a result, generate much needed funds and a positive impact on those in need.”
