A Belfast football club has said it is “thrilled” after a mystery benefactor stepped in to fund a new kit ahead of the new season — and allowed them to showcase local charities.
The donation has allowed the club to publicise two charities which lie close to the hearts of the players and their community.
Vision Athletic are a cross-community football club founded in 1998. The club enter two teams in NI’s Down Area League and have traditionally been based in south Belfast.
When they made the donation, the mystery philanthropist requested that local charities be featured on the kits, rather than any corporate or business logo.
The club chose the MS Society and Action Mental Health as the charities to benefit from the move.
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Veteran player Stewart Finn — who has spent 23 seasons with the club — is also the NI Director of the MS Society, which supports those affected by multiple sclerosis.
He said the club had a number of personal links to those with the condition.
“It’s incredibly heart-warming to see our club support the MS Society in this way,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
“As a club we have a few personal connections to MS. So as a player, I am proud to wear this kit and raise awareness for a cause so close to my heart.
“This generous gesture will undoubtedly make a positive impact on our community and raise awareness of MS.
Vision Athletic midfielder Pierce Hunt (right) in action wearing the new jersey
“I also managed to score, assist and win Man of the Match the first time I wore the kit, so hopefully it is lucky too!”
Club chairperson Cormac Craig — who works as a mental health nurse — also welcomed the generous donation.
“Vision Athletic has always been more than just a football club. We are a cross community club who strive to support and uplift our community, and this new kit is a testament to that mission,” he said.
“I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the mystery benefactor for their kindness. We would love to know who the mystery person is but we aren’t doing any detective work, we respect their privacy.
“Running a grassroots football club is financially challenging so donations like this are a real lifesaver for the club.
“But this also allows us to highlight crucial causes and reflect the values of our club, so I am thrilled.”
Stewart Finn, Mike Wilson, Second Team manager Jake Gilroy and First Team manager Adam Young with the new kits
The club’s existing shirt sponsor, estate agency Zenith Residential, has also given its blessing to the arrangement.
The company is run by former Vision Athletic player Adam Broad, whose brother also lives with MS.
“It’s fantastic to be part of a club that values giving back to the community,” he said.
“Seeing the Zenith Residential logo on our shirt was special, but now seeing the MS Society on the other Vision kit is really amazing, as my brother lives with MS.”