Marathon fundraising soccer match taking place in Ballinahown this weekend

Ballinahown FC will hold a 1,000-minute soccer match this Sunday in a bid to raise funds for the club.

The novel fundraising initiative will see underage members, coaches, parents, members of the senior team and past players taking part in a 7-a-side marathon soccer match on the Astroturf pitch at Ballinahown Sports Park.

The match will start at 7.20am on Sunday, May 25th, and run until midnight. Over 300 players are expected to take part, with players rotating at intervals throughout the day.

The fundraiser aims to provide financial security for the club and, if enough money is raised, a small spectators’ stand.

The club’s fundraising officer, Katrina Kenny, explained: “Like many small soccer clubs, we rely heavily on sponsors for things such as jerseys and other equipment. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their generosity. Still, we are hopeful that this fundraiser will make the club financially secure for a few years and mean we are not so reliant on sponsorship. If we raise enough money, we would also like to install a modest viewing stand on our grass pitch.

“We thought something like this would be a novel way to raise funds and involve club members of all ages and their families,” she added.

Club chairman, Tommy Parker, said: “The day itself will be a great occasion that will bring the whole club and the wider community together. I would like to thank the hardworking committee, led by coaches Willie Ryan and Katrina Kenny. They’ve already put in countless hours in the organisation of the event.

“We have had a great response from club members and their families, who have really gotten behind the fundraiser,” Tommy added.

“We are really looking forward to the day and hope the funds raised will greatly assist the club for years to come,” he concluded.

There will be lots of fun for all the family between 3pm and 6pm, with a barbecue, music, face-painting, raffle, and lots of activities for the children. Be sure to come along and join the fun.

For more information about the 1,000-minute soccer match or to support the fundraiser, log on to https ://www.idonate.ie/event/BallinahownFC1000minute7a-SideSoccerathon