Scottish football legend Iain Ferguson has turned from dad to coach – training his daughter Kelsey ahead of an exhibition match for a children’s charity.
Ferguson, 59, made a name for himself as a scorer of vital and sensational goals.
He scored in Motherwell’s 1991 Scottish Cup final victory over Dundee United and also netted a screamer for Hearts against Bayern Munich at Tynecastle.
Now, the former striker, who also played for Rangers and both Dundee clubs is using his experience to try to help Kelsey shine on the pitch.
Kelsey Ferguson, 32, is due to take part in the Scottish TikTokers Charity Football Match at Hamilton Academical’s New Douglas Park on August 7.
She has spoken out about the hell she experienced at the hands of bullies as a teenager, claiming that she was kidnapped and attacked by her tormentors.
She now hosts workshops in schools and workplaces to help people overcome their difficulties.
And she encourages them to speak out and seek help.
And she says the match has an added importance for her as her son recently had to move schools due to suffering at the hands of bullies.
Several famous Scottish TikTokers are taking part in the match, including Glasgow chef Myles Omar, Irn-Bru Man and popular user Captain Morgan.
And Kelsey is hoping the game goes better than her first training session, which saw her bursting her trainers. She said: “My son has just recently had to move school due to bullying.
“He’s going through an awful lot, suicidal thoughts and anxiety, and that’s why I’m doing what I’m doing with this charity match.
“I want to show him that you always have this strength within you to power through.
“The group of people who are taking part as well is absolutely fantastic.
“We are all doing this for one reason and that is the Glasgow Children’s Charity. I don’t know how to kick a ball – the other day I turned up wearing trainers, kicked the ball and my big toe went through my trainer, so I now have a hole in my trainer.
“I have asked my dad to help me train as well.
“Me and Captain Morgan are going to do training sessions as well, because I’m quite a shy person going into new environments, even though it might not look like it.
“I want to do this for every person, every child out there, who feels like there’s no goal or that they’re weird, or that they’ve not got this or that.
“I’m a perfect example of someone who doesn’t fit in but I’ve now been included in a group and I couldn’t be happier or more thankful for being asked to do it.
“I really want it to be a success and we really need a buzz about it.
“It’s a fantastic event to be going to. I’m just a girl who’s trying to make her voice heard.”
● Tickets, which are priced at £10, are available on Eventbrite and Allevents and proceeds are going to the Glasgow Children’s Charity.
