SCOTTISH first responders and medical staff have raised more than £33,500 after swapping their uniforms and scrubs for football kit as part of The Archie Foundation’s Battle of the Badges tournaments.
The events were held at Balmoral Stadium in Aberdeen, Brechin Football Club and Ross County’s pitches in Dingwall, raising money to continue delivering vital support and services to babies, children and their families in Grampian, Tayside and the Highlands.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.
Each of the events saw Team Fire, Team Police, Team NHS and Team Scottish Ambulance Service battling it out on the pitch, with each player supported by a young mascot.
Paula Cormack, chief executive of The Archie Foundation, said: “This is the first time we have been able to run the Battle of the Badges in all three locations. It is fantastic to have been able to co-ordinate a fundraising activity covering the whole of our geographic area and showcasing the amazing emergency services that provide support and services to families throughout the north-east of Scotland day in, day out.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the volunteers from all four emergency services who gave their time to our Battle of the Badges events, helping us to collectively raise more than £33,500.
“It was brilliant to see them come together with the mascots and enjoy some very competitive games of football while also raising much needed funds and awareness for The Archie Foundation.”
The first Battle of the Badges took place on Sunday, May 26 at Brechin Football Club and saw representatives from the police take on opponents from the fire service.
This was followed by a clash between all four emergency services at Aberdeen’s Balmoral Stadium on Saturday, June 8.
The final Battle of the Badges was hosted on Saturday, June 22 at The Jubilee Pitches in Dingwall, where the fire service once again came up against the police.
The mascots supported the teams throughout their matches and also helped to fundraise, and raise awareness, for The Archie Foundation.
Toby (7) was a mascot for Team NHS in 2023 and 2024. His mum, Heather Jones, was extremely positive about the experience.
“The Battle of the Badges was a great family day out. Importantly it helped to ensure Toby has good memories to associate with his trip to hospital. He really enjoyed having a kick about with Team NHS last year and was delighted to be a mascot for the second year running.”
For more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation, visit www.archie.org/getsupport/.
