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Lanarkshire pals launch charity football team to help local men's mental and physical health

A group of Lanarkshire pals have kickstarted a new initiative to improve local men's mental and physical health through football.

Pounds 2 Pitches provides a safe place for people to come and exercise and work on their fitness, whilst raising money for local charities.

The club, based in Hamilton, only launched six weeks ago but has already gained around 40 members as they look to grow their community.

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Members can opt to work on shedding the pounds by having their weight recorded before enjoying the games of football in a friendly community spirit.

Scott Reid and his good friend Paul Simpson launched the group in October and their message is the "the more the merrier" as Scott explains, encouraging others to get involved.

He told Lanarkshire Live : "We thought we'll start this ourselves, bring people together and raise money for local causes.

"It's a seven-a-side league we're in just now with four teams from our members made up of nearly 40 players.

"We've already had lots of similar organisations get in touch with us for friendly games so it's been going good so far.

"We're based at Fives in Hamilton and invites people from Hamilton and the surrounding area.

"It's been running around six weeks now, and in November we've already raised £150 for charity.

"We're also going to start a crossbar challenge to help too, and we're going to go with our donation to Hamilton Foodbank and give up our time to help them make up the packages there when we donate the money.

"We have a member within the team who works for the Erskine charity which has been a big help in knowing where our money is going to make the biggest difference. So we're always looking for local charities where we can do good.

"Especially this year with the price of everything going up, there might be some people who struggle, so if we can give £200 worth of gifts to children then that means a lot to us that we can help them."

The group's mission is to improve fitness both mentally and physically for local people. Some of their efforts already have raised vital funds for charities such as the C9 Foundation which has encouraged them to continue spreading their positive work.

"It's been a great success so far", Scott added. "And the losing weight side of things is optional, so people who'd like to track that can weigh themselves when they come in before they play and we'll keep note of it all.

"It's a good atmosphere around the place and a great community feel because even when games are finished, players still stay to watch the other games."

Pounds 2 Pitches meet every Friday evening between 6.30pm to 8pm at Fives Hamilton.

You can find out more information and enquire to join on the group's Facebook page.

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