Rangers FC will host its annual Big Ibrox Sleep Out on November 14, a chance for players like Jack Butland and fans to help raise awareness of a societal issue.
Fans of Rangers FC are not just fans of the football club – they live, breathe and sleep the record 55 time Scottish league champions.
But on November 14, those fans will be literally sleeping, or trying to, at Rangers’ home stadium Ibrox as part of a charity initiative designed to help raise awareness of homelessness across Glasgow.
The Big Ibrox Sleep Out is a charity initiative held by the club and the Rangers Charity Foundation which invites fans to sleep inside the stadium, either pitch-side or in the stands, to experience the daily routine some people who are homeless endure.
Since 2015, the sleep outs have raised a total of £358,500 for the Glasgow homeless community through the added and ongoing support of 32Red, Rangers’ long-term sponsorship partner.
The betting company has contributed over £56,000 towards the Ibrox Big Sleep Out in the past and continually supports the work of the Rangers Charity Foundation and their charitable initiatives.
This includes their work to support mental health awareness with the Scottish Association for Mental Health.
Half of the funds raised from the Ibrox Big Sleep Out will support the work of Glasgow City Mission and Simon Community Scotland, with the other half to support the Rangers Charity Foundation.
Funds raised for Simon Community Scotland, a homelessness charity , will support and provide accommodation for those experiencing homelessness. The Ibrox Big Sleep Out will help fund essential clothing as the winter period approaches, such as jackets, hats and scarves.
But while Rangers, 32Red and other charity initiatives are urging fans to take part in the initiative, it is also the players who are taking a proactive role in being part of the community to help spread awareness of homelessness across Glasgow and Scotland.
Butland’s charitable DNA
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland may only be in his third season at the club, but he is already establishing himself as a leader on-and-off the pitch.
“I think the ‘football is life’ analogy is underestimated up here. It really is that way.”
Speaking to Insider Sport, Butland acknowledged the importance of taking part and promoting charity initiatives such as the Ibrox Big Sleep Out and why this can help tighten the bond between player and fan.
“I think it’s huge,” said Butland. “It’s because of a club like (Rangers), where the community is so important to us and a club the size of ours and the reach that we have.
“I think it’s the least we can do as players. We have such a connection with the fans, they look up to us and it’s something that sometimes you don’t often deserve. But we’re in a very privileged position to be where we are, to play for a club like this and to have so many people come to support you every week. It’s the least we can do to give back.”
Charitable participation and donations are nothing new to Butland. In 2015, he donated £5,000 to the GB women’s deaf football team which helped the team attend the Deaf World Cup in Italy.
He has also served as an ambassador for Kick It Out, the football anti-discrimination group, between 2015-2018. Butland helped support initiatives such as ‘Next 20’, designed to commemorate the group’s 20th anniversary while also calling on professional football players like Butland to engage with young people about discrimination in football.
Butland admits he has been “fortunate” throughout his career to be involved in several charitable initiatives and revealed this has always been he has been passionate about.
“I would say that the position has privileged me with the opportunity,” said Butland. “I’ve always been a fairly caring person and obviously want to help out and I’ve been very fortunate.
“At the clubs that I’ve played for, they’ve raised the awareness and some were off my own back. I guess it’s always been something I’ve felt fairly passionate about and wanted to help out with. Whether it’s been something that’s hitting a little bit closer to home or something that has obviously been close to the club and as a player you can get involved in.”
Butland’s fan connection
It’s charity initiatives like the Ibrox Big Sleep Out that can also grow the bond between players and fans, and that has not only just dawned on Butland, it is almost a prerequisite before joining Rangers.
“I think the ‘football is life’ analogy is underestimated up here. It really is that way,” said Butland.
Some Rangers fans may be slightly aggrieved due to the team’s turbulent form so far this season, sitting fourth in the Scottish Premiership and already on their second manager, Danny Röhl, after dismissing Russel Martin after just 17 games in charge.
Butland acknowledged the difficult start to the season, but revealed Rangers fans have “always been very respectful” of him and in turn, he maintains it is his duty to reward their loyalty with performances.
“We all know how difficult things can be on the pitch at times,” said Butland.
“But off the pitch, I’ve always tried to give time to fans everywhere I can. And in turn, I think they’ve always been very respectful of me, whether it would be outside the stadium or in public around the city. I’ve always felt like I’ve had a good relationship with everybody and I guess you only get that if you earn that respect in the first place.”
Football players can often be perceived as disillusioned as the money continues to grow in the game, which can lead to alienating fans in both their support and criticism. Butland has rarely shied away from both in the past.
In October 2023, following a 3-1 home defeat to Aberdeen, instead of walking past Rangers fans outside Ibrox who were voicing their anger at the result, he was willing to hear their frustrations.
It is this level of understanding between Rangers fans and Butland that has made him a popular figure in the blue half of Glasgow, something he prides himself with and that can help with his own performances in goal, home or away.
“When you have fans that have a song for you it’s a special feeling that makes my time here certainly more personal and emotional,” said Butland.
“I love the connection with the fans and that comes when you’re winning. Hopefully we can do a little bit more of that, but it’s definitely a connection. I’m very, very privileged to have that and lucky to be in this position.”
While Rangers look to get back to climbing the table in the league, matters off the pitch will take more precedence on November 14 during an international break, when the Big Ibrox Sleep Out takes place.
