Aberdeen’s emergency services are set to go head-to-head - or foot-to-foot – when they take part in The Archie Foundation’s annual Battle of the Badges football tournament on Saturday, June 10.
The event, hosted at Cove Rangers, Balmoral Stadium, is back bigger and better for its fifth year, doubling the number of services taking part to include the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) and NHS who will play against colleagues in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland.
The special tournament will see each football player teamed up with a child mascot who has a connection to Archie. In the run up to the event, they will work together to raise funds for the charity which supports sick babies, children and bereaved families across the north and north-east of Scotland.
Regional Fundraising Manager for The Archie Foundation, Cassie McGunnigle, said: “We are really excited to be bringing the addition of NHS and Scottish Ambulance service teams to Battle of the badges this year, with team Police and team Fire, it’s set to be a great tournament.”
The Archie Foundation, based at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH), funds specialist roles within the hospital, equipment, and projects, as well as providing temporary on-site accommodation and financial support to families. Archie also supports babies and families requiring neonatal services, as well as bereaved children who have lost a loved one.
Team NHS captain, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mike Reidy, said: “When Archie approached us to bring a team together for this fantastic event, we jumped at the chance. We see first-hand the difference the charity makes every day to Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, and we are excited to get matched with our mascots and get fundraising!”
The day will feature four games lasting 30 minutes each, along with fun games and activities for the mascots and their families throughout the day.
Team Police Captain, Detective Constable Kevin Lynch, said: “Battle of the Badges is such a feel-good event, we are delighted to be taking part again this year. With the addition of SAS and NHS, it’s going to be a great day for everyone. This event is much more than just a football tournament. The Archie mascots and their families are so resilient and strong, after everything they have been through, they are inspirations and really give us a reason to raise as much money as we can for The Archie Foundation.”
With the announcement of the event expansion, The Archie Foundation is set to kick off its search for mascots in the coming months.