Inverness High School to host charity match with appearance from Caley Thistle cup winner Josh Meekings to raise money for life-saving medical equipment
Inverness High School have organised a charity football match to raise money for life-saving medical equipment.
Senior pupils and teachers will take on a team of Developing the Young Workforce employers – featuring GA Barnie, Morrison Construction, Police Scotland, HIE, High Life Highland and the Mustard Seed to name just a few – on Friday, April 4 at 11am, with teams managed by DYW and Ross County.
There will also be special guest appearances from Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s Scottish Cup winner Josh Meekings, as well as a couple of other ICT players.
DYW helps bridge the gap between education and employment whilst tackling social issues within the area, of particular important at the High School given it sits in the most deprived area of the Highlands.
The school, which was recently named school of the year at Highland Heroes, is committed to maintaining a strong community feel and helping those around them despite their own challenges.
Part of that comes through the work of DYW co-ordinator Emma Donald, who has organised this Friday’s charity match as a celebration of the connections and partnerships formed throughout the academic year – while also raising money for a defibrillator.
Currently, the nearest defibrillator is out of life-saving reach of the school, so the aim is to acquire one and host first aid sessions for teachers, young people and members of the local community.
It is set to be a full event around the fundraising football match too, with a beat the goalie competition, a games corner hosted by Youth Development, and activities from UHI and Highland Rugby Club among others on the sidelines.
Mrs Donald said: “I have been committed to showcasing the opportunities available to young people since I started 18 months ago, but have always done so in a way which could look at helping tackle a social issue simultaneously.
“We have set up a resource shed which is home to sustainable clothing, school uniforms, hygiene products and food. We have incorporated DYW by introducing an employability space where DYW and other employability activities can take place.
“We have partnered up with High Life Highland and local gyms Forge and Inverness Leisure to launch KIT4all – an initiative to encourage gym goers to donate second hand sportswear to encourage and allow young people to take part in sport.
“Funding appropriate sports clothing is something which is a massive barrier to some of our young people and we want to break these down and allow pupils to maintain an active lifestyle, whilst being able to try different sport’s. These items will also be available for young people to collect in a non-judgemental environment – our resource shed which will launch on Friday morning at the charity match!
“The staff body, young people and community within Inverness High are so united and have such drive to maximise employment opportunities in the area, continue to maintain a thriving community spirit and improve the quality of life of those living in it – I can't wait to see what we do next year!
“We are so looking forward to celebrating our recent award with the young people on Friday, as well as raising money for a worthy cause.”
