ONE group gives its all on and off the pitch while the other is at the heart of the East End.
Now, the two are coming together to support Glasgow's most vulnerable in a new community charity campaign.
Gallowgate pub The Gate and Dennistoun football team Glasgow Saints FC will bid to tackle food poverty in their Close the Distance initiative.
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Launched yesterday, the campaign will raise vital funds for the Kindness Homeless Street Team through donations raised from limited edition cocktail sales at the bar and the gathering of warm and waterproof clothing by the club.
Phil Robins, team member at The Gate, said: “Closing the Distance is an expression used a lot in professional boxing, meaning stepping in and moving past your opponent’s guard, so that you can go to work on them at close range.
"We want to take that action and use it in a positive way, stepping past current obstacles and working closely with other community-based organisations to find ways of safely helping those in need, especially at this time.
“The word ‘distance’ has been at the forefront of our minds over the last few months and we hope to maybe lessen the negative connotations around the word through our initiative.
“The Gate has always prided itself on living and breathing hospitality and making the pub a place where everyone feels welcome and looked after but we believe that this duty of care goes beyond our four walls. We’re delighted to team up with Glasgow Saints F.C.
"They share similar values to us, with the added goal of helping to combat food poverty and isolation through their club.
"Together we hope to make a positive impact on those within our communities who need it most.”
Launched during the March lockdown, the Kindness Homeless Street Team is a community group which supports Glasgow's homeless and vulnerable people. They provide food, clothing, toiletries and emotional support to any friends on the street.
Money raised from this campaign will go towards the charity’s purchase of a suitable vehicle to carry equipment for their street teams and to supply a hot food station, allowing them to collect essential donations from the public across the city and distribute effectively to those in need.
Kyle Burgess, Glasgow Saints goalkeeper, said: "We started Glasgow Saints F.C as a means to bringing people together within our community, to help those in need and bring people who otherwise may have not met, together for our values of solidarity and community.
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“It's a pleasure to team up with The Gate and be able to help our fellow humans. It will never be enough, but with more of us encouraging each other to do better, it's a step in the right direction.
“Help us support our local community, buy a Kindness Cocktail from The Gate this month or alternatively donate any essential items towards our clothing drive.”
Visit glasgowcocktails.co.uk to order a cocktail and Fearless Space - 116 Sword Street, Gallowgate, to drop off clothes to Glasgow Saints.
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