Albion Rovers have given ten thousand reasons to celebrate their recent success by making a stunning £10,000 donation to children's charity Cash for Kids, which will directly benefit local causes.
The Coatbridge club, currently preparing for Monday's William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final replay with Rangers, have benefitted from an unprecedented windfall thanks to the extended run in the competition, gate receipts and live TV coverage.
While that income will provide Rovers with financial security and a chance to invest in staff, infrastructure and facilities in the months and years ahead, the club have recognised the opportunity to give something back to those less fortunate in their local community.
As a thank you to the support and media coverage received from local radio station Clyde 1 and its football show Superscoreboard throughout the season, the Albion Rovers board has announced the incredible gesture to donate £10,000 to Cash for Kids, Clyde 1's title charity.
The money will be ring-fenced to support children's charities in and around the Coatbridge area with an official cheque presentation taking place at the club's next home league match against Elgin City on Saturday, 22 March.
Albion Rovers club chairman John Devlin said: "This season has provided an adventure for Albion Rovers which none of us could have predicted. Through the brilliant guidance of James Ward and his staff as well as the skill and efforts of all our players, we have experienced so many thrills on the pitch which have led to significant spin-off benefits off it.
"Within that and thanks to the cup run we have enjoyed a massive financial boost which provides longer-term security for us, removing some of the immediate pressures and fears which exist for many lower league clubs. However, we realise that many people in our community and across the West of Scotland, in particular the young and vulnerable, face really tough times at the moment which is why it was a no-brainer for us to give something back.
"We chose Cash for Kids, firstly in recognition of the fantastic support we have received from everyone at Clyde 1 and Superscoreboard, but mainly due to the facts that we know what fantastic work the charity does – and that the money will be spent both well and locally. Regardless of what happens on the field for the rest of the season and in future years, there can be no greater legacy of our success than helping children in real need in our community."
Rovers return to league duty this Saturday away to Queen's Park before the big cup replay against Rangers at New Douglas Park, Hamilton, on Monday night – live on SKY Sports.
Debbie Fraser of Cash for Kids said: "This is an incredible, selfless gesture which defines the true meaning of a community football club. We work closely with groups supporting vulnerable children in the heart of communities across the whole of the West of Scotland so to receive this gesture from a club so clearly based in the heart of its own community is truly outstanding.
We are so grateful to everyone at Albion Rovers for this significant donation and look forward to the next chapter of working with the football club as we carefully invest that money in some of the most worthy children's initiatives in the area."
Cash for Kids works to help support the most vulnerable children in local communities across Glasgow and the west of Scotland. It has been the official charity of Clyde 1 since 1980 and raised over £28million, helping more than 2 million of the West of Scotland’s most deprived children.
Lorraine Herbison, Head of News and Sport for Clyde 1 and Bauer Radio Scotland, said: "Everyone at Clyde 1 already has massive admiration for the achievements of Albion Rovers this season, in everything from cup upsets and ground-breaking initiatives to attract fans, to the way staff and management have conducted themselves as the focus on them has intensified.
"However, this gesture really does deserve huge praise – it was such a nice call for the station to receive. It speaks volumes for the attitude of all at Albion Rovers and is accepted with immense gratitude by everyone at Cash for Kids, Clyde 1 and Superscoreboard along with a promise that it will make a real difference to the lives of many young people local to them."
For more information about Cash for Kids or to make a donation visit: http://www.clydecashforkids.com/
To find out more about Albion Rovers FC log on to: http://albionroversfc.com/
And to tune in to Glasgow and the West's number 1 station, visit: www.clyde1.com
.png){kind=logo}
