Wick Academy in show of support for Sophie’s Story as Clachnacuddin visit Harmsworth Park
Wick Academy players are joining together in a show of support for a cause that has touched many in the Highland football community and beyond.
They are donating a week’s wages in aid of Sophie’s Story, set up for little Sophie Mason who has Batten disease (CLN1) – a rare and life-limiting degenerative genetic disorder.
Her father is Keith Mason, a member of Clachnacuddin’s coaching staff. Academy’s gesture comes as the Lilywhites visit Harmsworth Park for a Highland League match on Wednesday night.
Academy will also donate the club’s share of proceeds from the 50/50 draw and committee members will be doing a collection.
Manager Gary Manson said: “The players spoke about it and were mulling over some ideas on how we could contribute.
“The players, coaches and management decided to donate a week’s wages and the club is contributing as well through the 50/50 draw on Wednesday.
“You can see the football community far and wide is coming together and contributing to the cause. It’s a tragic story and if anybody can help along the way then I’m sure they will appreciate it.
“We are trying to do our bit as well. It won’t be a massive contribution but every little helps.
“It’s a story that is resonating with everyone, not just in the Highlands but further afield.”
Clach have arguably been the most improved team in the league since Conor Gethins took over as manager in October 2023. They are fifth in the table.
Academy suffered their heaviest defeat of the campaign, 7-0, when the sides met at Grant Street Park in August.
Manson said: “They’ve signed Greg Morrison [from Rothes] since the last time we played them, and Andrew Macrae [ex-Brora] is playing for them now as well.
“They’re a strong side, the league position tells you that. They’ve got good attacking players and they’ll be a real threat for us on Wednesday.”
Highland League results – Friday: Inverurie Locos 6, Deveronvale 1. Saturday: Banks O’ Dee 2, Forres Mechanics 3; Brechin City 2, Buckie Thistle 2; Formartine United 3, Strathspey Thistle 2; Fraserburgh 1, Wick Academy 1; Turriff United 0, Brora Rangers 2.
Fixtures – Wednesday, February 19: Banks O’ Dee v Formartine United; Brechin City v Keith; Brora Rangers v Strathspey Thistle; Deveronvale v Fraserburgh; Rothes v Forres Mechanics; Wick Academy v Clachnacuddin (8pm).
Saturday, February 22: Banks O’ Dee v Clachnacuddin; Brora Rangers v Deveronvale; Fraserburgh v Lossiemouth; Huntly v Formartine United; Inverurie Locos v Keith; Rothes v Brechin City; Strathspey Thistle v Nairn County; Turriff United v Buckie Thistle; Wick Academy v Forres Mechanics (3pm).