A former Edinburgh Hearts youth footballer is helping kids from some of the capital's most deprived areas by raising money with charity football matches.
Dean Philp, former Hearts under 18s player and Soccer4Children director, says he 'wants to give something back' as football played a big part in his youth.
Originally from Niddrie, he saw friends struggle to get into any clubs due to finances and is wanting to help those who need it as the cost of youth football rises.
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Soccer4Children is a non-profit organisation and Dean's friends and family comes together to make up Newton Heath FC. Together they raise money with charity matches to help local children and football clubs.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, The 43-year-old said: "I grew up in Niddrie in a council estate and saw it for myself, friends, their brothers, sisters, weren't able to pay for these things...so it's really close to home for me.
"I had a bit of an attitude when I younger but I was very lucky to represent Scotland and Hearts at under 18s and then played for Cowdenbeath and Berwick Rangers, but not everyone gets that chance.
"Soccer4Children helps kids at all levels who want to get into football. We can help with club rooms, school football kits, get shin guards, boots, and help with fees if they need it. If the parks they play on need maintenance we can help with that too.
"Per child, clubs can charge up to £40 a month, and yes it can get subsidised if you have more children, but some people can't manage that - it's a lot for a family to pay.
"If we've got the fiances, we make sure the kids don't go without. There's a lot of good talent out and unfortunalty they just don't get the opportunity because their parents can't afford it.
He added: "It helps get kids off the street too, stops them getting in trouble, and it's social and they can make new friends.
"We do reach out to schools but we hope more people who need our help come forward and ask for help because there's so many kids in Edinburgh and the Lothians who desperately need it and that's why we've put this game forward."
On Friday March 3, with their sponsor JS DECOR, Newton Heath will play Duddingston Athletic FC veterans on Friday evening with a 8pm kick off at Peffermill 3G Park. Each player has to raise a certain amount of money to get a place in the team and every penny that is made is then put towards Soccer4Children.
Over the years they have played Police Scotland, Bank of New York, Edinburgh University and are always looking for other companies to join in for a friendly match in aid of Soccer4Children.
"We're always looking for companies to come forward, it's a good cause, even if it's just for a team bonding exercise and play a game and help raise money for the kids in the community," Dean added.
Dean started Soccer4Children (formally Soccer4Charity) back in 2011, raising money for charities close to his heart, such as Maggie’s, Cardiomyopathy UK, The Teenage Cancer Trust and The Scottish Huntington’s Association.
He explained: "Maggie's looked after my dad before he died from leukaemia and I wanted to do something to say thank you."
He organised a charity football match for friends and family to thank the team and over the years, the organisation has grown and is set to play their first match since the covid pandemic.
The next charity match against Duddingston Athletic FC veterans is on March 3 with a 8pm kick off at Peffermill 3G Park and you can see more information or get in touch with Soccer4Children via Facebook.
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