Hearts + Balls, the Scottish rugby charity dedicated to supporting players who have suffered life-changing injuries, has announced a new partnership with sports kit manufacturing specialists VSN Sport. The collaboration will combine the charity’s mission of care and community with VSN Sport who supply kit to over 30 rugby clubs throughout Scotland including Whitecraigs, Marr, Scottish Police and Hawks.
Founded in 1999, Hearts + Balls has supported players across Scotland, ensuring that those who suffered life altering injuries during their rugby careers are never left behind. We offer assistance, both immediate and long-term, to those who have been impacted. This can take the form of things like; Property conversions, equipment, travel costs, respite care and counselling. Since its beginnings in 1999, we have donated in the region of £750,000 to rugby players and their families
Through this new partnership, VSN Sport will continue to support our Hearts + Balls MB men’s and women’s teams on the Scottish 7’s circuit. The ‘pink & blue’ kit has increased the charity’s visibility at events and matches and also increased kit sales amongst supporters. VSN Sport will also be promoting the partnership via their sales channels throughout the season with their sponsored clubs, committing to an annual donation and also a 100% of gate receipts at the VSN SPORT 7’s where Hearts + Balls will be the official charity.
Hugh Dan McLennan, Chairman of Hearts + Balls, said ‘This new arrangement marks another significant development as H and B continues on a positive trajectory on the back of our 25th anniversary. We are extremely proud of the commitment of our men’s and women’s teams as they strut their stuff on the sevens circuit. I am delighted we now have a kit supplier of the calibre and standing of VSN Sport. We look forward to working with them to give our players the playing kit which will bring out the best in them’.
Drew Campbell, Director of VSN Sport said : We’re delighted to partner with H + B to support the great work they’re doing. H + B were recently involved in an initiative with Scottish Rugby and the British Heart Foundation helping rugby clubs access defibrillators for their clubhouses. This was close to our ‘heart’ so we’re also buying a defibrillator for our VSN Sport truck which travels to clubs across Scotland promoting the work we do. We also have two members of staff who suffer from heart conditions so this is a cause that is close to home and we are keen to raise awareness.
We’ll be donating £1 for every rugby shirt we sell to this incredible charity. We’ll also be asking online customers to “round up” their sales to the nearest pound as an additional boost. We feel that this partnership aligns perfectly with our ethos and are excited to see what we can accomplish together’
