Some of Dundee’s top musicians are striking out in a new direction this week.
Members of bands including the Law, Hazey Janes, Hanney, Scary People and Vladimir have set themselves the goal of raising money for mental health charity SAMH at a football match.
Music promoter and fundraiser Daisy Dundee has organised the game at the suggestion of Alloway Thistle.
She said: “Their manager approached me after I’d arranged a series of house gigs during Depression Awareness Week and asked if I’d be up for recruiting local musicians for a game against his team.
“I thought it was a great idea as a way of highlighting the benefits of physical exercise and teamwork on mental wellbeing.
“I know a lot of local musicians that play football and thought the idea of showing off their skills outside of music for a good cause might appeal to them.”
The musicians’ team, known as DDFC or Smells Like Team Spirit, consists of a 25-strong squad from 16 bands.
They had never played together before a practice session last night to give player-coach Brian Harris, from Hanney, a chance to work out his starting line-up.
Brian said: “I’m really pleased to be involved in such a great cause and hope that we can raise some funds for SAMH just by playing a game of football.”
He continued: “We’re all from different parts of the scene so it’s great that we’re all coming together for one night to play this game.”
The charity game will be held at Dundee International Sports Centre, Mains Loan, on Wednesday at 7pm. Entry is by donation, with a £2 suggested minimum.
Donations can also be made direct online at www.justgiving.com or by texting DDFC99 £(amount in digits) to 70070.
Daisy is organising further events over the summer to promote the positive effects of the great outdoors on mental wellbeing, including pop-up gigs and a secret mini-festival in a barn outside Dundee next month.
She said: “Our opponent team consists of players associated with local mental health services and, after organising house gigs earlier this year, I wanted the focus over the summer to be on getting outside.
“SAMH support Street Soccer Scotland, whose work has helped raise self-esteem and lower harmful behaviour in socially disadvantaged young people with long-term mental health problems.
“Hopefully, through this game, we can raise awareness as well as funds for this very important cause.”