Arbroath FC Community Trust has been selected as one of four charities to receive funding from bp’s Coast 2 Coast charity cycle, with chairman Barry Valentine set to saddle up for his toughest challenge yet in support of young people in his hometown.
More than 50 riders and support crew will take on the 2026 bp Coast 2 Coast cycle from June 4-7, covering around 240 miles across Scotland to raise funds for The Archie Foundation, Instant Neighbour, Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust and Arbroath Football Club Community Trust.
Valentine, who is also a well superintendent for bp, joined Arbroath FC Community Trust in July 2024 after years away from Arbroath, said the role gave him the chance to reconnect with the town and give something back.
“I joined Arbroath FC Community Trust as chairman because it was a great opportunity to stay connected with my hometown after being away since 2006 and to give something back to those less fortunate than myself. At first, I thought this was all about football, but I quickly learned it is far more than that. By using the power of the badge, we can make a real difference in areas like mental health, food poverty and social isolation.”
The cause is deeply personal for Barry, who says one statistic continues to drive his determination.
“We know that one in four children in Scotland live in poverty, but in some areas of Arbroath that rises to one in two. This is where Coast 2 Coast can really help by extending the work that we already do via projects such as Extra Time and creating more opportunities to bring this type of support to more schools across the town.”
The funding will help the Trust expand vital programmes such as Extra Time, which is currently funded by the Scottish Football Association, and aims to improve outcomes for families, particularly those on low incomes, by offering increased accessibility to organised children's activities, supervised sport and play activities, often focussed on football.
The programme currently supports 12 children at Hayshead Primary School in Arbroath, but the Trust would like to extend its support to more children across the region. Hayshead Primary School head teacher, Scott Haxton, explained the impact of support provided by the Trust:
"It has been a very successful partnership this year. We have seen positive impacts on children's readiness to learn, friendship, cooperation and enthusiasm. It has also been really encouraging to see the relationships the children have develop with the team from the Community Trust and the enjoyment they have had from working with them."
For many young people, football is not a luxury but a lifeline, a safe and positive space where they feel seen, valued and equal. Through the game, children build confidence, resilience, friendships and self-belief, with benefits that extend into school, home life and future aspirations.
Barry nominated the Trust as one of the beneficiaries of Coast 2 Coast and will take on the ride for the fifth time.
“Although I cycle as a hobby, Coast 2 Coast is always a challenging few days and no two years are ever the same. The spectacular views on the north coast are unforgettable, but they come with hills that continue to test even the most experienced cyclists, myself included.”
This year, Barry is going even further. Alongside colleagues and friends, he will also take on Chase the Sun UK North Ride on 20 June, cycling 205 miles from Whitley Bay at sunrise to Ayr by sunset.
“This will be the most challenging event I have ever tackled on the bike and a real test of both physical and mental fitness. My longest ride in a day so far is 105 miles, so this is going to take a monumental effort. But doing this for the Trust and for those who need us most makes me more determined than ever.”
The funding will allow the Trust to widen access to school-based football in deprived communities, fostering hope, belonging and better futures for local young people.
Now in its 17th year, The Coast 2 Coast challenge has become a highlight of bp’s annual fundraising calendar, bringing colleagues together to test their endurance while supporting charities that make a tangible difference locally. Over the past 17 years it has raised more than £2.5million for good causes.
To sponsor one of the four Coast 2 Coast charities, you can select your preferred cause and click the link below:
Arbroath FC Community Trust Team fundraising for Arbroath FC Community Trust is fundraising for Arbroath FC Community Trust
Aberdeen FC Community Trust - Team fundraising for Aberdeen FC Community Trust is fundraising for Aberdeen FC Community Trust
Archie Foundation - Team fundraising for The Archie Foundation is fundraising for The Archie Foundation
Instant Neighbour - Team fundraising for Instant Neighbour Aberdeen is fundraising for Instant Neighbour Aberdeen