Football fundraiser, and 'Scotland’s version of Soccer Aid', coming to Lanarkshire for its second game

A fantastic, fun-filled football fundraiser described as "Scotland’s version of Soccer Aid” will take place for a second time - and this year it's coming to Lanarkshire.Former Airdrieonians star Stuart Taylor is once again arranging the Shooting Stars showcase in support of Alzheimer Scotland.And Stuart has signed plenty of famous faces for the second charity showdown, including former Motherwell and Rangers manager Alex McLeish, ex-Celtic gaffer Neil Lennon, Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin, former Motherwell striker John Sutton, River City actors Stephen Purdon and Robin Laing, and Still Game’s Matt Costello.Download the Lanarkshire Live app todayThe Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - AndroidThis year's Shooting Stars game will take place on April 12 at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld.Explaining his decision to start up the fundraiser, Stuart said: "Alzheimer Scotland played a big part in my dad’s journey with dementia before he passed away in 2021."My family and I wanted to give something back to the charity and the game seemed the obvious way to raise funds and raise awareness too.“Dementia affects everyone from all walks of life and if we can help, in any way we can, then we’ll be a step closer to eradicating this disease - I’d encourage everyone to buy a ticket for what promises to be a unique and fun family fundraising event.”Stuart played for Airdrie twice during his 17-year playing career and also served as assistant manager at Hamilton Accies at the beginning of his coaching career, later going on to manage the club in 2021-2022.He added: "We’re proud to be able to give back by supporting this charity match."Last year’s event united so many people around a shared cause, and this year promises to be another fantastic family day out."At last year’s Shooting Stars, a crowd of more than 3500 people turned out at Falkirk Stadium for a thrilling match that saw Scotland beat the World team on penalties following a tense 2-2 draw - with a terrific near-£34,000 total raised for the charity.Alex McLeish, 67, will be taking on the role of Scotland manager for the day this time around and said: “I’m delighted to support Alzheimer Scotland at their Shooting Stars charity match."As we have seen in the press recently, my big pal Gordon McQueen died with dementia."I’m happy to play a part in aiming to raise vital funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s Scotland in what promises to be a fantastic day out."It will be great to catch up with lots of old faces on the day.”Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s chief executive, added: “Shooting Stars is a fantastic fundraising event for Alzheimer Scotland and we’re delighted to be hosting it for a second year."Last year raised almost £34,000 and we’re hoping 2026 will be an even bigger success."We are so happy to have such strong support from so many famous names from Scottish sport and entertainment, from Broadwood stadium and all our sponsors."We can’t wait to bring communities together and raise vital funds to support people with dementia and their carers, as well as supporting better brain health for everyone in Scotland.”The 60-minute match will be the highlight of a family fun day which will also feature a range of interactive games, activities and workshops, half-time entertainment and post-match photo opportunities with players.Families and footie fans alike are being encouraged to book their place at the unique event; tickets cost just £10 for adults while under-18s can enter for free.To find out more details, and book your ticket to Shooting Stars, visit www.alzscot.org/shootingstars*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

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