Rsabi raise more than £14,000 through football fundraiser

Scottish farming charity the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rsabi) has successfully raised more than £14,000 through a “Farmer Football” tournament.

Twelve teams took part in the seven-side tournament at McDiarmid Park in Perth, with players coming from across the Scottish agricultural sector, including stars from BBC’s This Farming Life and farmer comedian Jim Smith.

The friendly competition was organised to coincide with Scotland’s own World Cup campaign, and follows a previous “Keepy Uppy Challenge” launched across social media by Rsabi in May.

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Pauline Macmillan, head of fundraising at Rsabi, said: “The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic.

“We’re delighted to have raised more than £14,500 through the tournament.

“It was brilliant to see so many people from across the agricultural community coming together and getting off farm to enjoy some friendly competition while supporting the work we do at Rsabi.”

Teams at the football fundraiser © Rsabi

An awards presentation was hosted by Olympic curler Glen Muirhead following the tournament and the Friday Night Football Crew were crowned champions.

Ms Macmillan added: “The event was about much more than football.

“It was an opportunity for people to connect, have fun and support wellbeing across the farming community, while raising awareness of the support we offer and vital funds that will help us continue that work throughout Scottish agriculture.”