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Duty Calls
LINE Of Duty actor Martin Compston has sent a heartfelt thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery for their support of his favourite charity.
Martin - best known for his role as Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott in the smash-hit BBC crime drama - is an ambassador for Street Soccer Scotland and was speaking at a football session in Glasgow as the charity received a boost of £450,000 raised by Postcode Lottery players, marking the start of a new long-term relationship.
Street Soccer tackles a range of social issues and, through football and personal development programmes, has supported more than 25,000 people since 2009.
Martin said, "I'm a massive supporter of Street Soccer and the work they do with homelessness and mental health is incredible - just through the power of football. That's where it starts. It's getting everybody down here, getting a kick about, getting them back into the community, getting them talking to people, giving them a bit of purpose.
"A huge thank you to players of People's Postcode Lottery. Because of your support we're able to put on more sessions here at Street Soccer and just keep this building and building."
Catey, from Glasgow, is just one of the many people to have been supported by the charity, and credit its women's programme, Street 45, with giving her a second chance in life.
47-year-old Catey says she was at her lowest point when she first heard about Street Soccer Scotland. At the time she was in a rehabilitation centre tackling alcoholism. She attended her first sessions in 2011, the year that Street Soccer was sending teams to the Homeless World Cup in Paris.
Catey said, "My first thought was, what an experience that would be, but didn't think I'd get the chance of playing for Scotland as I wasn't good enough. How wrong was I! I got picked and was absolutely delighted."
In 2023, Street Soccer hosted a Women's Only Nations Cup Tournament and Catey was invited to play for Team Unicorn - a group of women who had little experience in playing football.
"The team spirit was amazing from the day we arrived till the moment we left," said Catey. "We all just gelled and we're still great friends to this day."
Catey is now 5 years sober and has no doubts about the importance of Street Soccer.
"Being part of Street Soccer has without a doubt been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I mention it everywhere I go, to everyone I meet. It's not just about football and winning - it's all about supporting each other. I've so many highlights and being a part of this group is really helping me maintain my sobriety."
David Duke, CEO and Founder of Street Soccer Scotland, said, "We have been kindly supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery since 2016. During that time, we have been able to create a variety of new Street Soccer programmes to help provide community support and opportunity for adults and young people across Scotland."
Making A Difference
People's Postcode Lottery players are helping deserving causes like Street Soccer make a difference every single day. Read more about the range of Charities which our players support.
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Published: 10/06/2024
