Goggles mean goals for young footballers thanks to optician’s donation

Youngsters at Lochryan Football Club now have an eye for goal after netting a donation of specialist sports goggles from a local optician.

Following a successful application to Urquhart Opticians’ Care & Community Fund, players who typically wear glasses can now ensure their safety by sporting state-of-the-art goggles during matches.

The Stranraer branch of the award-winning opticians donated £300 to fund the purchase of the goggles, which will allow players to play with new-found freedom without compromising their vision.

Lochryan Head Coach Billy Holmes said: “The grant has been a great benefit for our club and has allowed us to provide the goggles for the boys, making sure they can play in their tournaments and festivals now. As a club it's great we can help provide our kids with the equipment to let them play in these financially hard times.”

Urquhart Opticians took over the practice in Bridge Street, Stranraer in October 2021. It is operated by Linda Dempsey alongside team members Joanna, Elizabeth and Martha.

Its Care & Community Fund gives local charities and community groups the chance to apply for a share of up to £1,000 every other month. Other local charities to have benefited include Wigtownshire Women’s Aid.

Mrs Dempsey added: “While delivering the highest levels of clinical care is our priority, caring for our community is at the very heart of everything that we do. We are delighted to be able to help Billy and his team keep enjoying their football and we look forward to hearing more about their success for years to come.”