Matches kick off for children's charity

Over the next few weeks the junior soccer players will be donating 1 to play a football game to raise much needed money for CLIC Sargent.

Andrea Cunningham from the Ballymoney United Youth Academy explained: “Kick for Children with Cancer is a national football campaign where teams dedicate a match this season and ask each player to donate 1 to the work of CLIC Sargent Northern Ireland. Having heard about the campaign we thought it would be a great thing for the kids to be part of and is for a very worthy cause.

“We have six teams and over 90 players from the borough, all aged from 11 to 17-years-old, and they are all eager to take part.

“We held our first four dedicated matches last Saturday at home with the 12’s against Bertie Peacocks, 14s against Ballnamallard, 15s against Maiden City and 16’s against Draperstown. We hope to hold more matches over the following weeks.

“If everyone gives 1 to play then we could raise around 100 which would be great. However we are also asking people to support the players with sponsorship as well as coming along to the matches to cheer the players on the day.”

Thanking local taxi firm, Chippie Cabs for the sponsorship balls, Andrea continued: “Steven Dobbin of Chippie Cabs kindly donated some match balls to help us and we would like to say a massive thanks to him.

“We are also running a table quiz on Thursday, October 28 in Ballymoney United Social Club at 8pm. Admission is 3 per person and everyone is urged to come along and help us raise much-needed money for CLIC Sargent..

Claire McAuley , Event Fundraising Manager added: “Each week in Northern Ireland two children or young people are diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia. CLIC Sargent acts as a lifeline keeping families together when the unimaginable happens. We provides social, emotional, practical and financial support to these children and their families from the point of diagnosis, in the hospital, community and at home.

“Any support groups can give to Clic Sargent is greatly appreciated. Thankfully Ballymoney Youth United is supporting CLIC Sargent’s Kick for Children with Cancer campaign which encourages people of all ages and abilities to kick a football and raise vital funds for children with cancer.”

If anyone is interested in putting a team forward or for more information call Andrea on 028 276 62902.

You can also call Chippie Cabs on 07522220205.

Watch this space for more information and match dates.