Celebrities including Airdrie’s own Nathan Evans will go head-to-head with footballing legends as famous faces pitch in to raise awareness of suicide prevention.
Actors from Outlander , River City and Still Game are set to trade in the red carpet for red cards during the All Stars v Legends pro-celebrity charity football match at the Excelsior Stadium on July 31.
The fundraiser has been organised by Airdrieonians FC, the Airdrie Community Trust and radio presenter, Ross Owen.
Ross is no stranger to mingling with stars, regularly welcoming household names for interviews on his radio programme, The Ross Owen Show .
And there will be plenty of familiar faces looking to hit the back of the net at the charity game in aid of North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention later this month.
As well as Wellerman hit-maker Nathan Evans, River City’s Stephen Purdon and Cameron Fulton, Outlander star Scott Kyle, Sanjeev Kohli of Still Game fame, Robin Laing from Band of Brothers and football pundit Peter Martin will be lacing up their boots.
Footballing legends involved include Airdrieonians’ own Owen Coyle, Bryan Prunty, Sandy Stewart, Andy Smith and Willie McGuire, along with Old Firm favourites Gordon Smith, Simon Donnelly and Marvin Andrews.
Organisers are also auctioning off two spots on the matchday squads, while there will be a few “mystery” players taking part.
Ross told Lanarkshire Live : “I’m delighted to be invited by Airdrieonians FC and the Airdrie Community Trust to help organise this year’s pro-celebrity match.
“The trust do great work within the local community, which I’m a big supporter of, so it’s a no brainer for me to get involved again.
“North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention is such a worthy and important cause and we’re delighted to support them in any way we can.
“Obviously, because of the pandemic, the annual event has been on hold for the past couple of years, so it’s fantastic to be back.
“And we’ve got some great footballing legends from Airdrie’s past as well as Old Firm icons taking part.
“Both teams will consist of a combination of football legends and celebrities who will battle it out for the Community Cup.
“Everyone involved can’t wait and we’re out to raise as much awareness about suicide prevention as possible.”
But it’s not just the beautiful game that will await supporters at the summer spectacular.
Ross explained: “It’s such a fun day for all the family and just what we all need after such trying times.
“Pre-match entertainment will have something for everyone including a bouncy castle, a pirate ship, face painting, live music and a few surprises.
“It’s getting closer to the big day now and we’re all very excited. This is an event that is suitable for all generations so we hope many families will come out and join us on July 31.”
Councillor Gerry Brennan, North Lanarkshire Council’s convener of adult social work, care and wellbeing, said: “We are delighted with the support we have received from Airdrieonians FC to help raise awareness about suicide prevention.
“The club have been long-standing partners and active participants in our Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire initiative and this celebrity-packed football match is a great way of spreading the message even further.
“Our ‘Let’s Talk’ campaign focuses on tackling the stigma around suicide and encouraging people to talk more openly about it so we can all help prevent the tragedy of suicide together.
“I wish all the formers players, actors, TV stars and organisers the very best in the match and I hope as many people as possible come along to support this fantastic event for such a worthwhile cause.”
Tickets for the big game cost £8 for adults and £4 for kids, with free entry for under-fives, and are available online now.
The entertainment starts at 11am with the match kicking off at 1pm and Lanarkshire Live will be in attendance to provide coverage of all of the day’s festivities.
Visit here for more details on the council’s suicide prevention initiative.
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