The football teams of Hillpark Secondary School are celebrating a major boost to the season after local opticians stepped in to solve a critical kit shortage.
Specsavers Trongate and Newlands stores began sponsoring the teams when Stephen Thomson, active schools coordinator at Sports Scotland Active Schools Glasgow, posted a community appeal on Facebook. Previously, the schools’ five football teams had just one set of strips, leading to scheduling ‘headaches’ for staff and frustration for pupils who were often forced to wear their own mismatched gear to matches.
The appeal was spotted by Qamar Iqbal, optometrist director at Specsavers Trongate, who immediately reached out to offer support, and got the Specsavers Newlands store also involved in the sponsorship. Together, the stores have provided new, matching kits.
Qamar Iqbal, says: ‘I was scrolling through Facebook when I spotted the post and right away, I knew I wanted to help, I was delighted that Specsavers Newlands could also contribute. It’s a pleasure to see the teams finally unified on the pitch.’
Scott Craig, supervisor at Specsavers Newlands, adds: ‘At Specsavers, we believe it is important to support health and wellbeing in our community. We are here to improve people’s lives not only through their vision and hearing but by supporting local sports and active lifestyles in Glasgow.’
Since receiving the new kits, they’ve already been put to use in three cup games across multiple year groups. Staff noted that the ‘buzz’ among the students has been palpable, with the new identity providing a significant life to team confidence.
Stephen commented: ‘Having just the one set of strips was becoming a real balancing act and a source of frustration for the youngsters. Seeing the email come in from the Trongate store the next morning was a real positive for the department. The kids are absolutely buzzing; it gives them an opportunity to feel like a proper team.’
This sponsorship reflects the school’s ethos of helping young people achieve their best by ensuring no pupil feels ‘lesser’ due to lack of equipment, fostering a unified identity that will serve Hillpark Secondary School for years to come.
For more information or to book an eye examination or hearing check, call Specsavers Trongate on 0141 552 2776, or Specsavers Newlands on 0141 636 6070 or go to
