A SQUAD of young footballers from the north of Glasgow can now strut their stuff in style after taking delivery of new kit, thanks to one of the city’s most prominent employers.
Rossvale Thistle 2009s – a 20-player squad of young teenagers – are part of Rossvale FC, which promotes teamwork to help make a difference to young people’s lives.
Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust – a funding initiative launched by Allied Vehicles Group earlier this year – gave them a £1,200 donation for new home and away strips, which have now had their debut at the Kieran McDade festival tournament in Coatbridge.
Scott Abernethy, an SFA-trained coach who helps run Rossvale, said: “The boys looked amazing and felt great in the new kit, and their confidence was at a high. They had four games to play, and they won their first and drew their second after a ‘questionable’ decision from the referee.
“Rossvale also drew their third game but lost their fourth after giving away a penalty and losing two goals, which cost them the game and a place in the final. The boys still came away with a great experience and love the new kit, and their parents are very thankful for the support from Allied with the new strips.”
Rossvale Thistle 2009s were founded in 1976 to give their young squad a kick start in football, either as a career or simply to meet with friends and have a team that helps promote self-confidence and awareness.
John Grey started Rossvale FC in 1976 for boys living in two Glasgow streets, Rossie Crescent and Vale Walk, and their colours of red/yellow and black were chosen primarily because he was a Partick Thistle supporter. Now they are a community charity, training young players from any background one night a week in Bishopbriggs, and another in Milton.
Allied Vehicles Managing Director Peter Facenna said he was delighted that the Rossvale boys liked their new kit and added: “It has taken a few months to work out the designs and have the strips made, but I’m sure they were worth the wait.
“When we set up our Charitable Trust our intention was to give something back to the community where Allied grew up and still thrives, and helping these boys, either into a future career or just as a social gathering, is a great example of that philosophy.”
