Randolph’s Leap release an alternative anthem for Scotland’s Euro 2020 football campaign.

‘They Didn’t See Us Coming’ has the added benefit of being a fundraiser for two charities – Street Soccer Scotland and LEAP Sports.

The band – who released their fourth album ‘Spirit Level‘ in February – consist of (up to) eight members including Adam Armour-Florence, Ali Hendry, Andrew MacLellan, Fraser Gibson, Heather Fox, Pete MacDonald, and Vicki Cole.

The band’s main songwriter and Frontman and Adam Ross explained: “I think music and football share a lot in common. They’re both valuable sources of escapism and have an amazing power to lift people’s spirits and help us connect with other humans. I think all of those things are really welcome and important right now.”

Due to Covid restrictions, the song was recorded remotely and mixed in Glasgow by Randolph’s Leap keyboardist Pete MacDonald, who also was given permission to incorporate the BBC Scotland commentary by Liam McLeod from the penalty shootout against Serbia, in the play-off victory which sent the Scotland men’s team to their first major tournament finals since 1998.

Ross also references Scotland’s eventful route to the finals in the song’s title as well the line “arriving fashionably late” being a nod to the team’s qualification via the UEFA Nations League route in November 2020.

“The song is a bit of an underdog anthem,” Ross adds. “It’s about defying expectations but also remembering to have fun and make the most of these matches and the atmosphere that will accompany them. Who knows, it could be a while before it comes round again!”.

All proceeds from the single will be donated to two causes chosen by the band – LEAP Sports (no relation), a Glasgow-based charity which aims to increase LGBTIQ+ representation in sport through work such as their ‘Football vs Homophobia’ campaign.

A LEAP spokesperson said: “We’re very excited to be selected as an official charity partner for the campaign. This is a historic moment for the Scotland National Team and we’re thrilled to be part of the story. It has been a long road back and seeing the men’s side return to a major tournament makes up for years of heartbreak – or at least some! ‘They Didn’t See Us Coming’ brilliantly sums up the journey and emotions of the Tartan Army. We hope that having Scotland on a major stage inspires LGBTIQ+ people across the nation to give football a go – whether that’s as a spectator, coach, player or referee.”

Street Soccer Scotland – a social enterprise which uses football to tackle issues of isolation linked to poverty and social exclusion – were similarly enthused by the track and the potential donations.

David Duke, founder and CEO of Street Soccer Scotland said “We’re humbled by the efforts of everyone involved in recording this single. As well as being a catchy number, it speaks to our message of hope, purpose and relationships, and importantly, never writing anyone off. We’re all one team and as well as cheering for those on the pitch, we’ll be making some noise for Randolph’s Leap too.”

Jockrock says: “Scottish football songs nowadays rail back on the optimism, but Adam Ross and crew celebrate our underdog status with a sentiment that says ‘We Have A Dream’ combined with a chorus to rival ‘Ally’s Tartan Army’.”

More at randolphsleap.co.uk.