It’s when the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) go toe-to-toe with their emergency service partners from Police Scotland.
And for the first time – the match will be streamed live.
The organisation of this match generates much needed donations for the children’s charity, the Archie Foundation, the official charity of the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital. So far over £4,000 has been raised.
The Archie Foundation funds specialist staff, equipment, facilities and emergency grants to support patients and their families.
Every player has a mascot and firefighter Brian McEwan, who is based at Aberdeen’s North Anderson Drive Fire Station, met with 11-year-old Owen Robertson from Newtonhill, Aberdeen, who was delighted to see a fire engine up close.
Brian has also been doing his own challenge in preparation of the match. For 30 days, he ran 5k every day, he even ran home after working a nightshift. He’s raised over £900 towards the fundraising total and he’s also in tip-top shape ahead of the big match.
He said: “I’m delighted with how the fundraising has been going but it was a challenge to run 5k every day!”
Meanwhile Owen has also completed his own fundraising. Last year Owen and his dad both shaved their heads live on Facebook, and Owen raised over £1,000 for the charity.
While Owen has never been a patient at the Archie Foundation, the caring boy wanted to volunteer and to help others. Due to current Covid restrictions, all the mascots will be watching the match online this year and keen footballer Owen is looking forward to it.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Andy Watt leads service delivery in the SFRS North area.
He said:“This charity match comes at a great time, as there’s lots of excitement around Scotland’s national football team competing at the Euros.
“Just before the national team’s first match, we have our own challenge, and we’re delighted to be throwing down the gauntlet to our police partners for the third time.
“Our firefighters serve at the very heart of their communities and will always stand ready to assist charitable fundraising wherever possible.
“The Battle of the Badges will be a fun and friendly match in support of an inspiring charity, and we hope to raise as much as possible.”
Tune in online to watch the Big Match here:
https://coverangersfc.univtec.com/event/60bf4b1985048211686b91cc
Rumour has it Scotland Manager Steve Clarke will be watching … just in case he needs any last minute call ups …
To donate to Brian McEwan’s 5k challenge: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Brian-McEwan
To donate to the main Fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Teamfire2021
