The recently created Former Cup Match Players/Officials Association received a financial boost with a local retailer offering to donate $5 for the sale of every Cup Match shirt at his store Longhorns on Court Street.

Dwayne Smith, a cousin of Dean Minors, the president of the association, decided to give back to the sport through the sale of the Somerset and St George’s shirts he designed himself. He will also be selling the shirts and caps at Cup Match next week.

“I always dreamt about doing this, a Bermudian giving back to my community,” said Smith, who read the article in The Royal Gazette where Minors and vice-president Eugene “Buck” Woods, another former Cup Match player, spoke of the association’s mission of providing financial assistance to former Cup Match players in need.

“Dean is my first cousin and I hooked up with him. This is one of the things I opened up my business for, to help the seniors and the children.

“I create the shirts myself, a different style every other year and people look for what’s coming up next. I’ve been doing this since 2008 and people love them. I’m looking forward to doing this every year and donating money to different organisations.”

Established a year ago, the Former Cup Match Players and Officials Association has a mission to provide former Cup Match players who need financial assistance with support for healthcare and other essential living needs.

They will have reserved seating at Cup Match and are planning to hold a fundraising golf tournament on August 13 at Port Royal.

“The response has been extremely positive, a number of people have already jumped on board including [former players] Barry DeCouto and Eldon Raynor and now Dwayne Smith from Longhorns,” Minors said. “People have come to us asking what can they do, so it has been encouraging and I want to encourage businesses and individuals to help this worthy cause.

“At Cup Match we’re going to hand out information for the golf tournament and we’re going to be talking to former Cup Match players about becoming members or the organisation.”

Added Woods: “We have received some sponsorship for the longest drive and closest to the pin and there are other sponsors who may be on board by that time.”