PARTICK Thistle players have today thrown their weight behind a new fans’ initiative that aims to support social justice causes in Maryhill and across Glasgow.

As first told in the Glasgow Times, Jags For Good – launched earlier this week – was established to mobilise the Firhill club’s fanbase in solidarity with and support for people in local communities who are facing hardship.

The group launched with a fundraising appeal, with all of the proceeds being used to purchase season tickets for use by local charities like Maryhill Integration Network.

Glasgow Times: Neil Cowan, far left and Alan Aitken at far right, both of whom are involved with Jags For Good. They are pictured at Firhill stadium with Partick Thistle players Ciaran McKenna, left and Ross Docherty at right Picture: Colin Mearns

Since then, almost £5000 has been raised with the club pledging to match every penny generated by fans in order to boost the number of season tickets bought.

Now the Jags players themselves have pulled together to donate £850 to the cause.

After hearing about the group’s launch, the players made contact with the group to pledge their support.

Ciaran McKenna, Partick Thistle defender, said the current Westminster political scene had left people "disconnected and disengaged" from politics.

But added that community-led initiatives like Jags For Good are empowering and providing local solutions.

He said: “I was delighted when I was first made aware of the Jags for Good group.

"I think the pandemic reinforced how important football is for people and the local community, and the fact the group aims to use the power of football and community to bring some joy and relief to those facing tough times is fantastic.

"I’ve long thought that football as a whole; clubs, fans, players, and everyone in between, should play a bigger role in mobilising for social justice causes and offering a helping hand where they can and it’s amazing to see the Thistle fans taking initiative through this fan-led, independent group.

Glasgow Times: Neil Cowan, far left and Alan Aitken at far right, both of whom are involved with Jags For Good at Firhill stadium with Partick Thistle players Ciaran McKenna, left and Ross Docherty at right Picture: Colin Mearns

"With all the nonsense going on down in London, and the effect that has on people in terms of feeling disconnected from society and politics, it’s brilliant to think that a group like Jags for Good can empower people again and provide local solutions to some of the social issues in Maryhill and the surrounding Glasgow area.

"I’m proud that the players were able to come together and donate as a team to the group’s Go Fund Me, and I’m also proud that the club have agreed to match all donations.”

Jags For Good is holding a foodbank donation drive at Partick Thistle v Dunfermline on Saturday, with donation points outside the Jackie Husband Stand and John Lambie Stand.

All donations will go to Glasgow North West Foodbank.

Ross Docherty, Partick Thistle midfielder and club captain, said: “Jags For Good is a fantastic cause and it’s great to see Thistle fans coming together to try to help vulnerable people in our local community.

"Saturday’s foodbank donation will, unfortunately, be a vital support to vulnerable people within Maryhill and the North West of Glasgow.

"Football should be accessible to all and the work that Jags For Good are doing to help donate season tickets to members of the community is another worthy initiative, and one that we’re proud to support as players.

"For some families, Partick Thistle will be the first chance they have had to go to live football as a family and experience a couple of hours on a Saturday where they can escape the pressures of day to day life.”

Alan Aitken, one of the fans involved in Jags for Good, said the group had been overwhelmed by the response to the initiative.

He said: "When we launched Jags for Good at the beginning of the week, we had no idea what the response would be like.

Glasgow Times: Neil Cowan who is involved with Jags For Good Picture: Colin Mearns

"We have been overwhelmed by the positive reaction we have received so far and by how many fans have offered their support, either by donating to our fundraising drive or by volunteering to help with our foodbank collection at Saturday's game against Dunfermline.

"This includes the Partick Thistle players, who reached out to make this generous donation.

"This only goes to show how invested they are, not only in Thistle's success on the pitch, but in the important role the club holds in the local community."

The online fundraising page can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/manage/red-and-yellow-for-all