Community trust chairman takes on cycling challenge
Arbroath FC Community Trust has been selected as one of four charities to receive funding from bp’s Coast 2 Coast charity cycle, with chairman Barry Valentine taking on his toughest challenge yet in support of local young people.
More than 50 riders and support crew will take on the 2026 bp Coast 2 Coast cycle, from June 4-7, covering around 240 miles across Scotland to raise funds for the community trust as well as The Archie Foundation, Instant Neighbour and Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust.
Barry, who is also a well superintendent for bp, joined Arbroath FC Community Trust in July 2024 after years away from Arbroath, said the role gave him the chance to reconnect with the town and give something back.
He said: “I joined Arbroath FC Community Trust as chairman because it was a great opportunity to stay connected with my hometown after being away since 2006 and to give something back to those less fortunate than myself.
“At first, I thought this was all about football, but I quickly learned it is far more than that. By using the power of the badge, we can make a real difference in areas like mental health, food poverty and social isolation.”
The cause is deeply personal for Barry, who says one statistic continues to drive his determination.
He continued: “We know that one in four children in Scotland live in poverty, but in some areas of Arbroath that rises to one in two. This is where Coast 2 Coast can really help, by extending the work that we already do via projects such as Extra Time and creating more opportunities to bring this type of support to more schools across the town.”
Extra Time, which is currently funded by the Scottish Football Association, aims to improve outcomes for families, particularly those on low incomes, by offering increased accessibility to organised children’s activities, supervised sport and play activities, often focused on football.
The programme currently supports 12 children at Hayshead Primary School in Arbroath, but the Trust would like to extend its support to more children across the area.
Head teacher Scott Haxton said: “It has been a very successful partnership this year. We have seen positive impacts on children’s readiness to learn, friendship, co-operation and enthusiasm. It has also been really encouraging to see the relationships the children have develop with the team from the Community Trust and the enjoyment they have had from working with them.”
Barry nominated the Trust as one of the beneficiaries of Coast 2 Coast and will take on the ride for the fifth time.
And this year, he is going even further. Alongside colleagues and friends, he will also take on Chase the Sun UK North Ride on June 20, cycling 205 miles from Whitley Bay at sunrise to Ayr by sunset.
“This will be the most challenging event I have ever tackled on the bike and a real test of both physical and mental fitness.
"My longest ride in a day so far is 105 miles, so this is going to take a monumental effort. But doing this for the Trust and for those who need us most makes me more determined than ever.”
To sponsor Barry for the Coast 2 Coast challenge, go to www.justgiving.com/team/arbroathfcctc2cgroup.