Away kit to fund faraway sister club

1 Jun 2017 By David Watters

Marine are auctioning off their away kit from the 2016-17 EVO-STIK Northern Premier League season to raise money for the sister club they helped to set up in Thailand.

The Mariners are hoping to make another donation to support Marine Thatphanom FC this summer by selling their squad's freshly laundered yellow Macron kit to the highest bidder ahead of a June 30 deadline for submissions.

Based in the poor Isan region of north east Thailand, Marine Thatphanom FC was set up at the end of last year by Mariners committee man Dave Thompson. Also the managing director of the EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division club's main sponsors Marine Travel, he was moved to take action after visiting the impoverished area and seeing the desperate need for basic football provision for the well-being and development of children from the poorest families.

The Mariners, who've already helped many youngsters play for the first time with the provision of pitches and equipment, are hoping the funds raised through the auction will assist in the cost of paying qualified coaches to deliver and organise training and games.

Marine chairman Paul Leary is urging fans to back the Thailand project with donations whether they are interested in putting the kit to good use or not by bidding in the auction.

Marine’s James short is pictured in action wearing the away kit last term and the Mariners chairman said: “This is a great idea to raise funds and the yellow Macron away kit is in great condition, has been laundered and is all ready to be collected in a kit bag by the person who submits the highest bid by email to our secretary Richard Cross on richard@marinefc.com.

"The committee of Marine will continue to try to raise the funds required to help make the project in Thailand a success but needs monies to employ more football coaches to deliver the coaching activities and provide more equipment. To this end I appeal to the public to consider making a donation directly via www.marinethatphanomfcappeal.co.uk or by sending a cheque payable to Marine FC to Richard Cross 74 Elvington Road, Hightown, Liverpool, L38 9AN."

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