That the Parliament welcomes the news that a charity football match at Alloa Athletic Football Club in December 2024 raised £6,600 for a mental health charity; understands that lifelong Alloa fan, Kieren Mooney, held his Heart of the Game on the theme of “Speak Out”, with all proceeds going towards the Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH); understands that whilst the football game was a highly entertaining 6-4 match, the organisers stressed that it was what happened off the park that was important; believes that the match was held to encourage and promote discussions around mental health, with each player stepping onto the pitch bringing their own stories and experience on what can be a difficult topic; understands that Kieren highlighted the main aim, which was to break down stigmas, start conversations and ultimately prove to people that it is okay not to be okay; acknowledges that Kieren was also assisted on the day by Scott MacDonald, who founded the Bands for Brothers initiative; understands that, Scott, who makes and sells wristbands to promote men’s mental health, had a stall at Recreation Park, also known as The Recs, for the charity match, partnering with Heart of the Game as a joint endeavour in raising funds for and awareness of SAMH, and commends Kieren, Scott, all at Alloa Athletic FC, in addition to everyone who attended and generously donated on the day.
Supported by:
Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Sharon Dowey, Tim Eagle, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Pam Gosal, Jamie Greene, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Emma Harper, Craig Hoy, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Alex Rowley, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle