Under 10s football team make a play for fundraising glory at charity event
Eleven young footballers have moved their goals to fundraising this Christmas, by taking part in Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity’s Glow in the Park event on Tuesday December 9.
The charity’s annual event invites supporters to run, jog, or walk a specially lit route around Endcliffe Park to celebrate the festive season. The magical family fun run sees participants wear fairy lights, neon tutus, and Christmas costumes to raise vital funds for Sheffield Children’s.
The charity has introduced a second distance to its Glow in the Park schedule, meaning supporters can now choose either a 2k or 5k route around Endcliffe Park. One group gearing up for the 5k run is Crosspool FC’s Under-10s team.
The team of boys has been playing together since they were the Under-7s, and in that time they’ve become incredibly tight-knit.
“We’re like one big family, and the team are wonderful together,” said one team mum, Steph.
Last year another team parent, Andy, saw a flyer for Glow in the Park at his office and decided to sign up with his sons. When the rest of the team heard about it though, they wanted to all do it together.
The team raised an incredible £1,148, but this year, they want to raise even more.
“We had such a good time last year, and it was marvellous to see how the boys made such a commitment to fundraising. The team were the second highest fundraisers on the night, but this year we’re determined to come out on top,” Steph continued.
To support the boys’ fundraising efforts, Steph and her younger son Theo have signed up for the 2k run, which starts at the earlier time of 5.30pm. Last year, Theo came along and cheered from the sidelines, but the new distance means he’s able to get involved too.
Steph’s employer, Card Factory, is supporting the team’s fundraising efforts through its foundation’s match-giving fund.
The Card Factory Foundation supports people and communities at Moments that Matter, including charities and local communities where we live and work. Its match-giving fund supports colleague fundraising pound for pound by donating an equivalent amount to a UK-registered charity, up to £2,500.
With the support from Card Factory, Steph is really excited about the impact the team’s fundraising can have for Sheffield Children’s.
She said: “We’ve been really lucky, and we’ve never really had to use the children’s hospital, but I know that’s not the case for all families. Whenever we drive past the children’s hospital, I talk to the boys about how important the hospital is and how lucky we are to have Sheffield Children’s at our doorstep.”
This year’s event is supporting the charity’s arts programme, Art+. Art+ uses the engaging and uplifting power of art to improve the clinical environment and experience at Sheffield Children’s. Part of their work is providing joyful and engaging art and music workshops for young patients, families, and staff. These workshops provide play, laughter, creativity, and comfort at times when they’re really needed.
Emily Beahan, events fundraising manager at Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Glow in the Park is always a joyous event, and I love seeing the families, friends, teams, and colleagues lighting up the park for Sheffield Children’s.
“Crosspool U10s were so much fun at last year’s event, and they’re a great example of how a team can really come together to help make the difference.”
Glow in the Park takes place on Tuesday 9 December from 5pm in Endcliffe Park.