Post by Sir Tom Hunter

It’s Summer 1998 and two big things are happening in my life.   Firstly, Scotland has made the World Cup finals opening game in Paris v the mighty Brazil. Secondly, I've just sold Sports Division, my life's work, 14 years on from selling gutties from the back of a van, to Europe’s biggest independent sports retailer employing 7,500 people. I've been very lucky.   I'm 37 with two small kids and very large cheque in the bank. What could possibly go wrong?   Of course we're going to Paris, boys’ trip, best seats in the house courtesy of Adidas. I was their biggest customer in Europe.   First stop once we land is the pub, of course. Now I know little bit about football, Willie Haughey says I know less than that, but the thrill of going with your mates to support Scotland taking on Brazil is intoxicating. And so was the pub.   We were having a great time, the singing, the jokes, the sheer positive anticipation, and as the pints were sunk, the bravery increased. Of course we have a chance against Brazil.   It's getting time to leave for the stadium, just one more. We’ve really got to go now. Just one more. We must must go now! No, let's just stay here and give the best tickets in the house away, let's watch the game in the pub. The Optical Express folks who got the tickets must have had a ball. We all stayed in the pub and had a great time, but I don't remember the score.   Anyhow, on we go into Paris to a party at the Buddha bar organised by a guy I barely knew called David Yarrow Photography Ltd. What happens in the Buddha bar stays in the Buddha bar. The most important outcome of that night was my friendship with Yarrow.   Fast forward to summer 2026. Scotland have qualified for the World Cup. Who’s in our group? The mighty Brazil, aw naw!   David and Jane Yarrow are throwing a party in Boston with the proceeds going to Street Soccer Scotland, founded by the incomparable David Duke MBE. David taught us at the Hunter Foundation the importance of football to help people with homelessness, addiction, and facing other tough realities, re-connect into society.   Football is the catalyst that makes it work.   Before a ball is kicked in a World Cup that some say has lost its heart, a group of Scottish patriots with hearts of gold at a party in Boston will have raised over £500k to help people back home who need a wee hand up. Scotland’s chances of winning the World Cup might be slim. And I don't know much about football. But what I do know is that our wee nation will show the world football does have a heart and it's cloaked in a tartan scarf.   Enjoy the video.

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