Scott Dowling (Joint-Managing Director of Cairngorm Group) is a member of the Sneckie Soccer Fives Team and is calling on Chamber members to support the incredible efforts of a group of footballing mates who’ve raised £123,000 for CHAS (Children’s Hospices around Scotland) – all funds raised go towards helping Highland families.
Donations can be made on a Just Giving link below and any raffle prizes would be gratefully received. Contact details below.
Sneckie Soccer Fives is fundraising for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, (CHAS)
Scott says, “I am proud to be a member of the Sneckie Fives Team who’ve done so much for a charity with the sole focus to ‘keep the joy alive’ for children facing life shortening illnesses. Those young lives are often painful and full of challenges. It’s incredibly difficult for their parents as well. That’s why CHAS exists – to provide vital support and help make things just that little bit easier for their families. We are also looking for new members of our steering group moving forward into 2026 and if anyone is interested, please contact me or even come along on the night and help or just view the event. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of it!
“Who or what are Sneckie Fives I hear you say – well all will be revealed.”
In 2017 a group of aging five a side players met for their post-match pint which they’d been doing since 1982. The conversation was always varied, and colourful, but that evening the topic turned to a documentary about CHAS (Children’s Hospices around Scotland) which one player had seen. They discussed the fact that they could still kick a ball about but, in contrast, the kids featured would have a very short and incredibly limited life and may never get even one chance to kick a ball.
They wondered if there was anything they could do to help and that’s when Sneckie Soccer Fives was born, out of a desire to help a charity which helps children who have extreme needs including palliative care – and their parents whose lives are also incredibly tough! It was difficult to imagine how mums and dads could cope with seeing their child suffering day after day. Heart breaking!!
Sneckie Soccer Fives was launched as a five a side football festival, open to all, and this has now been running for 6 years. £123,000 has been raised to date and another Sneckie is coming up on Saturday 14 June 2025 at Highland Rugby Club from 18.00- 23.00 hours. The group is hoping to raise funds to help it break the £150,000 mark.
Contacts for more information:
Scott Dowling, info@cairngormgroup.co.uk
Graham Cross, weeggmc@gmail.com, 07801816679