In 1985, A drug addict named David “Bull” Bryce was looking for a way to kick his habit and become healthier, and he wanted to help other addicts with alcohol and drug problems. He formed the Calton Athletic football (soccer) team.
The team was made up of recovering addicts from Glasgow’s East End. It was a way to strengthen their recovery through sports. It helped the players be physically fitter and more disciplined. The players felt better about themselves because they focused more on soccer than their drug habit.
From left Tommy Burns, Charlie Nicholas, Robbie Coltrane, and David Bryce at the Calton Drug Recovery Centre in 1992 (Image: Newsquest)
In the 1996 British film Trainspotting, actors like Ewan McGregor visited Calton Athletic Club for research. The actors played drug addicts, and their characters also played soccer. They would go in for a support group and then train in soccer for a few hours.
Scene from “Alive and Kicking” with
The Calton Athletic Club is still active today and offers other sports and workshops, including running, hill walking, music workshops, and travel.
Bryce passed away in 2011, remembered for the fantastic things he did to help his athletes and the community.
His work and the soccer team inspired the British television hit Alive and Kicking, starring Robbie Coltrane and Lenny Henry (photo to the right).
