Tag: Specsavers

Scotland Star Takes Aim at the Stigma Around Kids Wearing Goggles in Football

Aston Villa and Scotland star John McGinn is calling for greater awareness and acceptance of children who wear glasses or protective goggles whilst playing football – inspired by his young nephew, Jack. 

McGinn’s now-famous ‘goggles celebration’ began as a personal gesture of support for Jack, who was found to have poor eyesight at the age of four and needs to wear glasses daily, and goggles to play football. 

‘Jack is my first-born nephew, and he was really upset when he had his eyes tested at first,’ McGinn explains. 

‘He didn’t want to be different from the others,’ says John. ‘As a wee bit of support, I said I’d do the goggles celebration. I didn’t manage to score at the Euros, so the first time I did it was a few months later for Aston Villa. He was absolutely over the moon.’ 

What started as a small gesture quickly turned into something much bigger – a movement helping children around the world feel confident wearing their glasses or goggles with pride. 

John – who has just renegotiated his contract with Aston Villa until 2028 – believes playing in the English Premier League has given the celebration a global platform, raising awareness that eyesight challenges shouldn’t prevent children from enjoying sport. 

‘My celebration gave Jack so much confidence to wear the goggles,” John explains. “He now plays for a little club called Glenvale and all his teammates know Jack is the reason why I do the celebration. 

‘It makes him more comfortable to wear them – and for all children with eyesight issues, you shouldn’t be made to feel different.’ 

McGinn says he has been overwhelmed by the global response from parents and young players, receiving messages from across the world thanking him for raising awareness. 

‘I think it’s amazing, I love being able to be a positive role model. Having an impact on so many kids around the world is a huge reason and motivation to do it. For me, it’s a huge part of my game now and something I’ll keep doing for the rest of my career,’ John adds. 

Super John McGinn also highlighted the importance of safety when it comes to protective eyewear in sport. 

‘The risk of a ball hitting a child wearing glasses is huge. Goggles protect their eyes, and with the technology available now, there’s no reason any child should feel uncomfortable wearing them. It’s about safety, comfort, and enjoyment,’ McGinn explains. 

The 31-year-old hopes he can encourage parents to have their children’s eyesight checked regularly – and that more players will help normalise goggles on the pitch. 

He explains that good eyesight is essential in football – being able to see a defender in your peripheral vision or spot a teammate making a run can be the difference in a game. 

‘It’s great to see players like Andrew Tod in the Scottish Championship wearing goggles and doing their own celebration. There should be more positive messages around glasses and goggles,’ says McGinn. 

Jenny Stephenson, chairperson for Specsavers Scotland, says: ‘John’s story is an inspiration to children across the world, and the very reason Specsavers works so closely with the Scottish FA – it underpins everything we do as opticians.’ 

Specsavers is supporting young athletes by offering a discount on prescription sports goggles for club players under the age of 18. The initiative aims to promote safety and confidence by offering 10 percent off goggles. 

Jenny continues: ‘The new sports goggles campaign is about more than vision – it’s about confidence and inclusion. We want young players and their parents to see sports goggles as a normal, affordable and essential part of the game, so no child ever feels held back from playing the sport they love. 

‘Parents can be reassured by Specsavers’ care and expertise, while players can focus on performance – knowing their eyewear is safe, durable and designed for the demands of football.’ 

John concludes: ‘I would encourage everyone to make sure they’re getting their eyes tested as frequently as possible. The earlier you find out about any issues the better.  

‘Hopefully one day Jack’s out there playing at Hampden for Scotland wearing the goggles – that would be the McGinn legacy.’ 

Rose Reilly and Lee Gibson discuss progress in women’s football on first-game anniversary for Specsavers

Specsavers, the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, brought Scotland icon Rose Reilly and current star Lee Gibson together to reflect on how far the women’s game has come.

Approaching the anniversary of the first Scotland-England women’s international football match, Rose and Lee compared their careers and explored how modern ways have changed the experiences of women and girls involved in football.

Scotland and England faced off for the first time in the women’s game at Ravenscraig Stadium in Greenock, back in November 1972.

Exactly 53 years on, much has changed since the Auld Enemy ran out 3-2 winners against the Scots, and no one is better placed to discuss it than Scottish trailblazer, Rose Reilly.

Rose Reilly, 70, played in the game and scored Scotland’s second as a fresh faced 17-year-old.

In pursuit of more opportunities to play the beautiful game, Reilly headed to Italy where she played most of her club career for the likes of AC Milan, Napoli and Bari whilst making 14 appearances for the Italian National team.

Nowadays, Glasgow City goalkeeper Lee Gibson is Scotland’s No 1 as the women’s game continues to grow in scale and popularity across the country.

The 34-year-old has seen the game progress in her near-20 years as a professional and she sat down to pick Rose Reilly’s brains on how far things have really come in over five decades.

Rose Reilly says: ‘Wearing a Scotland shirt for the first time, a wee bit homemade but it was a Scotland strip, getting piped out, that’s when your heart beats really fast.

‘We never took no for an answer and that was essential for the growth of the game in Scotland, but we’ve got here and I’m proud of the girls playing nowadays.

‘I’m just the spokesperson for the other ladies playing in that game and the whole league at the time. A lot of them aren’t with us anymore so great credit to the other women of Scotland.’

Rose adds: ‘The biggest change is that you’re professional footballers now. I had to change my country and go to Italy to become a professional footballer.

‘That was my dream, so I first went off to play for Stade de Reims in France and then AC Milan playing in the majestic San Siro.

‘It was massive for me, but I just closed my eyes and said, ‘Rose it’s only two goal posts and a ball just like back in Stewarton’.’

Rose Reilly flipped the script and asked Lee Gibson what it’s like to be a Scotland player in the modern age.

Lee says: ‘It’s a joy. I’ve been really fortunate to be involved now for quite a number of years.

‘It’s the biggest honour and it’s always something that, as soon as you get the phone call, you’re just delighted to come away, and I’ve been really fortunate to play with some of my close friends. We’ve almost grown up together.

‘It’s changed a lot even for me growing up, I was born in the 90s and you played mostly with boys because we didn’t have the same opportunities, but we do now.

‘It’s certainly changed days, you go to games and it’s Caroline Weir and Erin Cuthbert on the back of tops and it’s really special to see that.

‘Even in my era growing up, I didn’t expect to see things like that and see how the game has grown, and we want to continue to do that and be the best role models possible for young girls.’

Specsavers announced in 2024 that it was renewing its’ sponsorship deal, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, marking 24 years of support and beyond for the partnership – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport.

The deal sees the partnership not only helping with the training and development of referees but also supporting the growth of Scottish football in both the men’s and women’s game.

As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers is here to change lives through better sight and hearing, by making expert care accessible and affordable for all.

Visit www.specsavers.co.uk or go in store to book an appointment with one of our hear care experts.

Specsavers kick off local football team sponsorship

A LOCAL opticians has announced its ongoing commitment to the local community, by sponsoring a girls’ and women’s football team in Edinburgh with a three-figure sum.

Specsavers Gyle has contributed £800 to Boroughmuir Thistle FC football team, the largest girls’ and women’s football club in Scotland.

The monetary donation will be put towards the ‘purple pathway’ initiative – the journey and development of players as they progress through the youth academy to adult football, and the most comprehensive and inclusive female football pathway in Scotland.

The ‘purple pathway’ allows the club to continue providing weekly training and access to matches for more than 500 girls and women in and around Edinburgh.

Ian Hobson, store director at Specsavers Gyle, says: ‘We are thrilled to support Boroughmuir Thistle FC. Getting involved with this local team is a great way for us to give back to the community, and help young players develop both on and off the pitch.“

During each game, the ball girls will now wearing branded Specsavers bibs, which they proudly donned during the team’s recent 5-0 home win against St Johnstone.

Gavin Michie, Chair at Boroughmuir Thistle FC, added: ‘We are incredibly grateful to Specsavers Gyle for their generous support, it’s invaluable – we all couldn’t be more excited for the season ahead!’

Specsavers’ Gyle Centre is located at Unit 49-50 The Gyle centre, Edinburgh EH12 9JT, and is easily reachable by car, foot, or public transport.

For more information about the Specsavers Gyle store, visit:

https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/gyle or call 0131 317 7540.

Edinburgh businesses to join forces to support people experiencing homelessness at special out-of-hours clinic

TEAM members at Specsavers Morningside, together with local businesses from the area and nearby Bruntsfield, are joining forces to support people experiencing homelessness through a special out-of-hours clinic on Monday 13th October 2025.

The initiative, led by Michael O’Kane, director of Specsavers Morningside and Cameron Toll, brings together a wide network of local partners who are each contributing to make the event a community-wide effort.

Support has come from across the local areas, with donations and services from St James Management, Houseproud, Waitrose, Toys Galore, JoJo Maman Bébé, 181 Deli, and a local barber, among others.

Together, they are helping to provide food, essential winter clothing, baby clothes for families and haircuts, alongside free eye and ear care services.

A team of seven colleagues from the Morningside store, located at 85 Morningside Road, will host an eye and ear care clinic offering sight tests, OCT scans, glasses, hearing tests, and ear wax removals – all provided outside of normal business hours.

The clinic, organised to tie into World Homeless Day (10th October 2025), will run between 6–8pm, offering a calm, welcoming environment for people experiencing homelessness to access care and connect with the local community.

Specsavers Morningside and Cameron Toll stores are partnering with Social Bite, Streetwork at Simon Community Scotland and The Bethany Christian Trust, inviting anyone affected by homelessness to attend the clinic and access the support available.

This event forms part of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, reinforcing the company’s commitment to breaking down barriers to healthcare.

The Edinburgh stores are proud to mark World Homeless Day by taking a holistic approach – improving access to eye and ear care while also ensuring attendees can enjoy a meal, receive essential winter clothing, and access other wellbeing services in one supportive setting.

Michael O’Kane, clinical director at Specsavers Morningside and Cameron Toll stores, says: ‘Our ambition is to ensure that everyone experiencing homelessness can access free, appropriate eye and hearing care.

‘By helping people achieve better sight and hearing, we hope to improve their quality of life and unfortunately, we know that for many, this is not the case because it can be incredibly difficult for them to access to this care.

‘By holding an out-of-hours clinic around World Homeless Day and working closely with a number of generous businesses in the local area, we are aiming to make expert care accessible to our community whilst raising awareness of the barriers currently in place.’

One in three people who experience homelessness need glasses, and for many, accessing healthcare can be extremely difficult. This clinic is one of many being held across the UK, providing essential services to those who might otherwise go without.

Alongside its local work, Specsavers continues to collaborate nationally with organisations such as Crisis, Vision Care for Homeless People, and The Big Issue to develop long-term solutions that remove healthcare barriers for those most in need.

The company is also calling for policy changes to ensure that everyone experiencing homelessness can access free eye tests, hearing checks, and replacement glasses where needed.

Anyone who wishes to attend the clinic at Specsavers Morningside can request an appointment by calling 0131 446 9960 or emailing: 

customer.morningside.uk@specsavers.com.

Specsavers Edinburgh team highlight importance of eye health this National Eye Health Week

Specsavers at Shandwick Place in Edinburgh is celebrating it’s over two decade long commitment to promoting better eye health in the local community this National Eye Health Week (22nd – 28th September). 

As a locally owned and run store, Specsavers Shandwick Place is dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of people in the area. The high street retailer is keen to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye checks this National Eye Health Week, which runs from 22nd – 28th September 2025. 

With figures from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) revealing that one in five people will experience sight loss in their lifetime*, Specsavers Shandwick Place is urging locals to prioritise their eye health. 

Store director, Aly Uka says: ‘Many people don’t realise that sight loss can often be prevented or treated if a condition is caught early.

“Regular eye tests are essential for everyone, even if you think your vision is fine. Eye tests are not just about glasses, they can detect serious conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and even high blood pressure or risk of stroke.’

National Eye Health Week highlights how preventative care and early diagnosis are crucial in reducing unnecessary sight loss.

According to RNIB, 250 people in the UK begin to lose their sight every day, and this number is expected to rise as the population ages*. 

Eye health can also be affected by screen fatigue, especially as more people spend time on devices. Specsavers recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away to help reduce strain and preserve vision. 

As a long-standing part of the Shandwick Place community, Specsavers is focused on highlighting that essential health services must be accessible and visible to everyone. 

For more information on Specsavers Shandwick Place or to book an appointment, call the store on 0131 240 8860 or visit:

https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/shandwickplace.

Specsavers have several other stores in and around Edinburgh, including:

  • Leith
  • Blackhall Sainsbury’s
  • Nicolson Street
  • Gyle Centre
  • Fort Kinnaird
  • Straiton Sainsbury’s
  • Cameron Toll
  • Morningside
  • Edinburgh Home Visits

Specsavers: New White Armbands to Support Young Referees Across Grassroots Football

Specsavers is proud to announce its partnership with the Scottish FA’s #LetThemRef campaign, a bold nationwide initiative designed to protect young match officials and transform behaviour across grassroots football.

The new campaign will introduce a series of comprehensive measures to create a safe and more respectful environment for everyone involved in grassroots football, with a particular focus on referees under the age of 18.

At the heart of the initiative are specially designed white armbands, sponsored by Specsavers, which will be worn by all youth referees to clearly identify them as officials still in training who require patience, support and encouragement.

By making young officials easily identifiable to coaches, players and spectators, it is hoped that the U18 match official armbands will help foster an understanding that these dedicated individuals are both developing their skills whilst providing an invaluable service to their local football community. Specsavers believes this simple, yet effective approach from the Scottish FA will help fundamentally shift attitudes towards young match officials across the country.

Willie Collum, Scottish FA Head of Refereeing, says: ‘Grassroots football is built on passion, development, and community – and that includes the young referees who help the game run smoothly across Scotland every day of the week.

‘The armband is a simple but powerful reminder that our youngest officials deserve encouragement, not criticism, as they grow in confidence and ability, and we are pleased that Specsavers shares that vision, by ensuring every match official under the age of 18 can wear their armband with pride.’

Beyond the armbands, the campaign will look to introduce a comprehensive framework of protective measures, designed to create a safer environment for young officials. Key changes include restricting referee communication to team captains only, establishing mandatory technical areas for team officials, requiring spectators to maintain a two-metre distance from the pitch, and appointing dedicated Referee Liaison Officers or wellbeing officers at matches to provide immediate support for young officials, as well as monitoring behaviour.

With the campaign set to kick off shortly to tie in with the start of the new football season, young officials across the country are expressing their optimism about the potential impact of these measures.

One referee, Jasiu Janowiec, who currently officiates in the Lowland and East of Scotland Leagues, believes the campaign will have a positive impact for grassroots football in Scotland.

The 18-year-old, from Falkirk, said: ‘I got into refereeing at 16 to earn money at weekends whilst being able to be involved in football. What started as a part-time job quickly became much more when I realised the incredible opportunities it offers.

“Through refereeing, I’ve experienced higher levels of football than I ever would have as a player – travelling to different grounds, meeting great people, and building genuine friendships with other young officials in my area.

‘The armbands are brilliant because they’ll show parents and coaches that the person with the whistle could be the same age as their own child. You wouldn’t shout at your child on the pitch, so why do it to a young referee?

“Unfortunately, fear of abuse puts many young people off refereeing, but this campaign demonstrates there’s real commitment to protecting us. It creates a safe pathway for anyone aged 16 or over to get involved in something that offers fantastic progression opportunities and keeps you at the heart of the game you love.’

For Specsavers, supporting the #LetThemRef campaign represents a natural extension of the company’s commitment to supporting Scottish football. By sponsoring the U18 Referee Armbands, Specsavers is investing in the future of the game whilst demonstrating that respect, protection and opportunity should be fundamental principles for all young people involved in football, whether as players or officials.

Specsavers’ Jenny Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers is committed to supporting the U18 Armband initiative as part of our broader support for match officials at every level.

‘At Specsavers, we recognise that referees are fundamental to football – without them, there simply is no game. So, by investing in the protection and development of young officials today, we’re helping to secure the future pipeline of experienced referees that our sport depends upon.

‘These young people deserve our respect and encouragement as they learn their craft, and we’re honoured to help create an environment where they can thrive with confidence.’

Specsavers announced in 2024 that it was renewing its’ sponsorship deal, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, marking 24 years of support and beyond for the partnership – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport. 

The deal sees the partnership not only helping with the training and development of referees but also supporting the growth of Scottish football in both the men’s and women’s game.

Scottish children’s Wonders of the World revealed for the first time – from Sunflowers and Seashells to Caterpillars and Diggers

  • Sunflowers, seashells and caterpillars are ranked the top ‘wonders of the world’ according to Scottish children.
  • But around 1 in 5 children under the age of 10 in Scotland have sight conditions that can get in the way of all that wonder.
  • Specsavers launch museum-style exhibit in Edinburgh showcasing these everyday wonders to highlight the importance of childhood eye checks.

FOR ADULTS, there are seven wonders of the world, but in children’s eyes, there are seven million. Sunflowers (60%), seashells (54%) and rocks (40%) top the list of Scottish children’s ‘wonders of the world’ according to a new study.

Other everyday wonders which stop Scots children in their tracks include caterpillars (37%), puddles (29%), and diggers (9%).

To highlight just how crucial good eyesight is for children to experience all this wonder, Specsavers has created a Wonders film and launched museum-style exhibits across the UK.

Each installation in Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Belfast and Cardiff features a ‘wonder’ chosen by a local child.

These include a life-sized digger, a perfectly imperfect rock, a carefully collected seashell, a curly caterpillar and a colourful sunflower.

The first Children’s ‘Wonders of the World’ exhibitions celebrate children’s natural curiosity and remind parents how important good eyesight is for kids to keep exploring the everyday wonders around them.

“Children see the world in a way adults often forget – full of magic, mystery and wonder,” says Professor Sam Wass, a child psychologist and neuroscientist.

“Good vision is essential to this journey of discovery. It helps children explore, ask questions and learn through play, all of which are essential to children’s development.”

Research among over 380 six and seven-year-olds reveals the places where children are most likely to spot their top wonders – with the beach (71%), the garden (44%), the park (29%) and even the journey to school (41%) ranking highest.

More than a quarter(26%) of the 600 parents surveyed said this happens on average five times a day, totalling 1,825 moments of wonder per year. Nearly a quarter (24%) report often being late because their child is busy inspecting an object. That’s 156 million times annually that parents are delayed because of their children discovering wonders.

Nonetheless, over two thirds (70%) of parents said they would be concerned if their child stopped pointing out these everyday wonders.

As a result, a quarter (25%) said this would be among the reasons they would book an eye test for their child, as well as if they were struggling to read or write (43%) or rubbing their eyes frequently (38%).

Sarah Joyce, Director of Optometry at Specsavers, says: “Being able to see clearly is vital to children as they learn about the world – around 80% of learning in school is visual.

“But around one in five children under the age of 10 have sight conditions that can get in the way of all that wonder[1].

“Conditions such as long- or short-sightedness, astigmatism or a squint can often be treated more effectively if they are picked up early, so regular eye tests from the age of around four are essential or sooner if you think they are having any problems.

“The great news is, for children under 16, the NHS will cover the full cost of the eye test.”

To find out more or to book an eye check for your child visit: 

www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-test/childrens-eye-test

Time poor Scots too busy to maintain health, according to new research

  • Most common missed health checks include eye appointments, dental exams and GP visits.
  • Most cite work commitments, difficulties getting an appointment and simply forgetting to book a check-up reasons why.
  • An expert is urging Scots not to put health on the back burner: “Not all conditions have obvious symptoms.”
Cameron Optometry St Vincent Street.

More than a quarter (27%) Scots are often too busy to stay on top of their health and almost half (46%) have missed or delayed a health appointment, according to new research.

Dental exams (17%), eye checks (16%) and GP visits (19%) were the most missed or delayed appointments, with ‘work commitments’ as the most cited reason why (38%). Others referenced difficulty getting an appointment (37%) or simply forgetting to book one (24%).

Now an expert is urging the public not to put health on the back burner.

Giles Edmonds, Clinical Services Director at Specsavers, commented: “When life gets hectic, it’s all too easy to push check-ups to the bottom of your list, but your health should never be ignored, including your eyesight.

“Not all conditions have obvious symptoms, so seeing the optician or dentist only when you’re experiencing changes won’t enable these to be identified and treated early.

“Glaucoma, for example, can develop slowly over time without any obvious symptoms, meaning many people don’t realise there’s a problem until irreversible damage to their vision has already been done.  

“That’s why regular eye checks are so important – they’re not just about checking your vision; they’re a vital part of catching conditions like glaucoma early.” 

Despite glaucoma being one of the most common eye conditions, people know little about the condition. More than half (51%) vaguely knew the signs and symptoms, while over a quarter (27%) knew almost nothing about the condition at all.

The research, commissioned by Specsavers, also revealed that almost two-thirds have a health problem they’ve not yet checked out – including mobility or joint pain (19%), weight or fitness levels (19%) and dental health (16%).

Despite this, more than one in ten (13%) haven’t had a dental exam and or eye check (11%) in over five years, while 7% of those surveyed have never had one.

The research also uncovered other areas adults skip over because they’ve been short of time, which included drinking enough water (33%) and getting a full night’s sleep (32%).

Of those who don’t prioritise their own health, over a third (39%) admit putting their work or job commitments first, while a third (33%) say put their family’s health needs first.

Nearly half (42%) say easier booking systems would help them make their health more of a priority, while a further 32% are simply wishing for ‘more hours in the day’.

Giles Edmonds added: “It’s easy to let health checks slide when you’re juggling a busy schedule, but looking after your eyesight is something you simply can’t afford to ignore.  

“A quick and simple eye check every couple of years – or more often if you’re at higher risk – could protect you from serious long-term consequences such as avoidable vision loss.  

“Your vision is one of your most precious senses, and it deserves your attention.” 

To book an eye check, visit www.specsavers.co.uk.  

Pitch Perfect: Specsavers partner with Scotland Internationals to launch Specsavers Best Worst Pitch

New Initiative to Breathe New Life into Underfunded Grassroots Football Pitches across Scotland

  • The Best Worst Pitch initiative will provide line painting and pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to 50 grassroots clubs across the UK
  • The initiative addresses the lack of funding dedicated to pitch maintenance, which the brand has experienced during the Best Worst Team campaign
  • By helping make the pitch lines visible again, the initiative celebrates the volunteers who make grassroots football not only possible but playable—reinforcing Specsavers’ commitment to supporting the grassroots football community and the vital role clear vision plays both on and off the pitch.

Specsavers has partnered with Scottish international stars, Kirsty Smith and Erin Cuthbert to launch the Best Worst Pitch initiative.

Open to clubs across the UK, the initiative will provide 50 teams who are most in need with professional line painting equipment and GPS pitch mapping, pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to help them maintain their pitches through the next season and beyond.

Clear and accurate line markings are vital not just for ensuring structure and fairness in the game, but also for helping players and officials navigate the pitch-enhancing visibility, spatial awareness, and overall safety throughout play.

Kirsty Smith added: “Grassroots football is the heart and soul of the game. It’s important that we back the communities and dedicated volunteers who keep it running.

“I remember how tough it was playing on a rough pitch, but it didn’t hold me back, it just made me realise how important these pitches are.

This is a campaign I’m really proud of – The Best Worst Pitch initiative will ensure that pitches are in the best condition possible so that everyone can enjoy using them.”

The announcement comes as UK football governing bodies have recently highlighted that maintaining grassroots pitches across the UK is one of the main issues facing the sport.

With councils stretched for funding, the responsibility for maintaining club pitches, often falls on dedicated members of the grassroots football community.

It’s a challenge Specsavers has seen up close, having renewed its’ sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA, to become the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner.

The deal will see the 24-year partnership continue for the rest of the season as Specsavers strives to support the growth of Scottish football in both the men’s and women’s game.

Erin Cuthbert added: “I called my papa “Net Man”. He’s no longer with us but he was always there, two hours early putting the nets up and sorting the pitch out.

“It’s little efforts like that that keep grassroots football alive. It’s absolutely vital that we get it right at this level so that young players can improve and have a better chance of succeeding in the sport.”

Specsavers have also documented the difficulties of grassroots teams through the Best Worst Team campaign—highlighting the real struggles faced at pitch level and further underlining the brand’s long-standing commitment to supporting the grassroots football community.

Speaking about the struggles of pitch maintenance, Chairman of current Specsavers Best Worst Team, Tunley Athletic, Craig Doughty said: “It’s a real slog sometimes – every week, rain or shine, I’m out there doing two full laps of the pitch just to get the lines marked.

“The equipment we’ve got is ancient—it clogs, it leaks, and it takes twice as long as it should. On dark evenings or when the wind’s howling, it feels like it takes forever. But I do it because I love this club—it means everything to the community.”

In addition to providing equipment, Specsavers is also offering training and education to the selected clubs—aiming to tackle some of the long-term challenges faced by grassroots teams and the volunteers who maintain their pitches.

The ultimate goal is to improve the quality and longevity of these pitches, ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy them for many matches to come.

Kim Bull, PR and Social Lead, commented: “Over the last two seasons supporting clubs that need a bit of help with their eyes and ears, as well as their game, we’ve noticed the effort that goes into keeping grassroots clubs running.

“People like Craig, who quietly put in the hard work behind the scenes to keep pitches playable, is what grassroots football is all about.

“This initiative means we can support more clubs and communities, like Tunley.

“By making faded lines more visible, we’re helping players to see the beautiful game more clearly. And hopefully make fewer mistakes!”

To have a chance of being part of the Best Worst Pitch initiative and help improve the quality of your local club’s football pitch, apply online here.

Specsavers Home Visits team in Edinburgh take action to support customers with dementia

TO coincide with Dementia Action Week (May 19 – 25), the Specsavers Home Visits team in Edinburgh has taken vital steps to support its customers living with dementia.

The full team has recently become qualified Dementia Friends, after completing a training course to professionally care for the eye health and hear care of customers who have the condition.

The Specsavers Home Visits team provides care to customers who, due to a multitude of reasons, are unable to pay a visit to a high street store to receive eye health and hearing services.

Lynne Seebaluck, director at Specsavers Home Visits that covers Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders, said: “By becoming Dementia Friends, our team feels more confident to ensure any customers living with dementia feel safe and are looked after in a sensitive way.

“We’re always keen to go the extra mile and support our local community, especially as we’re out visiting those directly in it.”

For more information about the Specsavers Home Visits team, visit:

https://www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests/request-a-free-home-visit 

or call 0808 239 4492 to book a home visit.