Community trust and Specsavers team up to level playing field for youngsters

Pictured are David Durno, community trust trustee, members Harris, Kaydi and Carter and Jamie Buchan from Specsavers.

The partnership was formed after the trust recognised that an obstacle to some children taking part in football was due to having to wear glasses and being unable to play without them.

This led to initially eight children receiving Scottish FA sports goggles, with the cost subsidised by the trust and Specsavers to ensure the safety and protection of members when training and playing.

Kaydi Smith, who attends the Midnight League sessions every Friday, lost her glasses when they were broken while training recently.

Her mum, Sarah Mann, said: “Thanks to the Arbroath FC Community Trust and Specsavers for supplying these sports goggles, Kaydi now has the proper eyewear for football and can now safely play with her friends at the trust sessions and with her team-mates at Arbroath Community Sport Club.

“After her glasses got broken, she was unsure about returning to the sessions but these sports goggles have given her a new lease of confidence.

The trust is now ready to extend this to help more children continue to play the sport they love.

Shelley Hague, charity chairperson, said: “Having noticed a pattern with children who wear glasses, we got in touch with Specsavers Arbroath to see if they would be able to assist us to ensure that there were no barriers to participation for our members.

“We are thrilled that Specsavers were keen to work with us and provide the goggles. The partnership so far has been a huge success.”

Jamie Buchan, store director at Specsavers Arbroath, said: “Arbroath FC Community Trust is well-known in the local area for the incredible work it does so we were honoured to be able to assist them in any way possible.

“Knowing these goggles are making a huge difference to the lives of children in Arbroath is brilliant and we are proud to be playing our part.”

The community trust currently has more than 600 members ranging from the age of one to 80 with children’s football teams, women’s teams and walking football sessions open to everyone in the local and surrounding areas.