Dingwall set to host first Battle of the Badges in the Highlands
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Emergency services in the Highlands are to swap the frontline for the football pitch at the Highland’s first Battle of the Badges tournament.
Organised by The Archie Foundation, the family event will take place on Saturday, June 22 at The Jubilee Pitches (Highland Football Academy), by the Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall.
This fundraiser is a chance for teams from the police and fire service to put their footballing skills to the test as they take to the pitch to find out which service will come out on top.
The Archie Foundation is calling for youngsters to apply to be a mascot for the exciting Battle of the Badges.
Zoe Grant, regional fundraising officer at The Archie Foundation in Inverness, explained: “The mascots play a vital role in the Battle of the Badges. Each mascot is paired with a player from one of the two teams.
“On the day they will accompany their player onto the field at the Highland Football Academy and will be on hand to support the players and their team throughout their matches, as well as helping to fundraise and raise awareness of the event.
“It’s a hugely rewarding experience as well as a family friendly day out!”
Toby (7) was a mascot for Team NHS at a similar event in Aberdeen, where the tournament has been running for the past few years.
His mum Heather Jones said it was a great experience and urged families in the Highlands to sign up.
“We all enjoyed last year’s Battles of the Badges, it was a great family day out and helped to ensure Toby has good memories to associate with his trip to hospital,” she said.
“Toby thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, especially having a kick about with Team NHS and trying to score against Archie in between the games. He still regularly talks about when he was a mascot and will definitely be applying to be a mascot again this year. We’d definitely encourage everyone to get involved with the Highland event!”
Zoe added: “The Battle of the Badges is a family friendly day out. As well as the all-important football matches, there will be other activities. The event also raises much needed funds for The Archie Foundation, helping us to continue supporting babies, children and their families.”
The event is open to everyone although priority will be given to mascots who have received treatment at the Highland Children’s Unit at Raigmore Hospital or who have been supported by any of the services provided by the Archie Foundation.
Visit https://archie.org/events/battle-of-the-badges-highland/or email hello@archie.org to apply to be one of this year’s mascots.
