A Dumfries-based social enterprise company was launched this week with the aim of supporting football clubs in the town.
Clothing firm Toe Poke CIC kicked off with a selection of sportswear for members of Scotland’s Tartan Army.
Run by volunteers and an unpaid director, the enterprise is working in partnership with Lochmaben firm Rostrum Sportswear Ltd to fulfil orders for its bespoke clothing range.
Founder Ian Barr said: “The inspiration for the Toe Poke brand comes from a famous Scottish national team goal at the 1982 Spanish World Cup.
“Scotland were playing Brazil in a group match and scored a brilliant goal by David Narey, that somewhat unfortunately was described as a ‘toe poke’ by the English summariser covering the match, Jimmy Hill.
“He meant no harm at all, though had to live with this gaffe for many years. The words toe poke make people smile and it’s a great name for a new sports brand.”
The goal is also featured in the company’s logo.
Mr Barr told the Standard they intend to grow the brand “slowly but surely” with a limited product range to start with, but over time will expand to introduce clothes “that celebrate the best of Scottish football history and contemporary football culture”.
He said: “Unlike football, we need to walk before we run.”
In the short term, items can only be purchased online via www.toepokescotland.com, although the company intends to establish retail partnerships in and around Dumfries, and to sell directly at local markets.
The company will also work over the next couple of years to seek collaborations with Dumfries-based football clubs and festival projects to develop partnerships and retain more money within the local economy.
Mr Barr said: “There is huge potential, in time, to work with local football and sports clubs to provide their merchandise and clothing to support local employment and recycle money back into the Dumfries economy.
“Toe Poke is Scotland’s only fans-owned football brand. We have a serious social mission – to sell football-themed clothes that are much loved and through their popularity help put money back into local communities.”
He added: “The first range of clothing, now available on the Toe Poke website, is aimed at fans of our national teams.
“Our research shows that older supporters really want to wear smarter football clothes to games, not replica jerseys, which isn’t a great look to be honest if you’re not playing football.
“More than 60 per cent of all our CIC profits will be returned to Dumfries youth football projects and football advocacy projects advised by Supporters Direct Scotland.”
“Not only do their products feature an iconic image from one of the most memorable Scotland goals, but their commitment to support community projects locally and nationally is something we hope fans everywhere can get behind.”
