Scottish football legends raise 'vital' money for Alzheimer's
Graeme Souness managed one of the sides in a star-studded charity match featuring Colin Hendry, Frank McAvennie, James McFadden, James McArthur, Lee McCulloch and other greats
Last updated 2nd Mar 2025
Scottish football legends have been raising money for Alzheimer’s in a star-studded match at the Falkirk Stadium.
Billed as Scotland’s version of Soccer Aid, Shooting Stars saw famous faces battled it out on the pitch to raise funds to support dementia care, research and improvements in brain health.
It saw teams made up of footballing legends and celebrities compete against each other and split into factions of Scotland and the Rest of the World.
Managing the Scotland side was former Rangers manager and Scotland captain Graeme Souness, while Finnish former professional footballer and manager Mixu Paatelainen took the helm for the World team.
Other big sign-ups include former Scotland defender Colin Hendry, former Celtic and West Ham striker Frank McAvennie, former Scotland forward James McFadden, former Scotland midfielder James McArthur, ex Celtic defender Rudi Vata, and former Rangers and Scotland player Lee McCulloch. Also lacing up his boots is comedian and Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli.
More than 2,000 football fans attended the match, and enjoyed a range of interactive games, face painters and a caricature artist, as well half-time entertainment.
Dundee FC assistant manager Stuart Taylor is a lead organiser of the event. He got involved after receiving support from Alzheimer Scotland following his dad’s diagnosis of dementia.
Stuart, 50, said: “Alzheimer Scotland played a big part in my dad’s journey with dementia before he passed away in 2021. My family and I wanted to give something back to the charity and the game seemed the obvious way to raise funds and raise awareness too.
Sanjeev Kohli, 53, best known as shopkeeper Navid in BBC sitcom Still Game, signed up for Shooting Stars in memory of his dad Parduman.
Sanjeev said: “My dad had been living with Alzheimer’s disease before he died last year. I saw first-hand the debilitating effect this illness can have and know how important it is to support Alzheimer Scotland’s vital work in supporting people who are affected by dementia.
“I’m looking forward to the match. I’ve been putting in the hard yards on the training ground and working on other football cliches for the post-match interview.”
James McArthur, 37, said: “Dementia has affected a number of people in my life, including my best friend Michael McLaughlin whose dad, Patrick, sadly passed away with the disease. I am looking forward to playing in the match for Alzheimer Scotland to raise money and awareness to a cause that affects so many people.”
Henry Simmons, Chief Executive of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have so much support from these sporting legends for our brand new event, Shooting Stars, and to see ticket sales going so well.
“Having so many famous names supporting our cause really helps to get out the message that no one needs to face dementia alone – Alzheimer Scotland is here for you.”
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