Blues thank England fans for fund boost

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Frickley Athletic have thanked the army of England fans who turned out for the second year running to help them move to within £13,000 of the £50,000 target they've set themselves to build a new community pavilion.

The Frickley Redevelopment Fund is nearly £2,300 better off thanks to the fundraising fixture at Westfield Lane between an England Fans FC XI and a Frickley Athletic Fans XI, pictured.

Apart donations from supporters and the playing fees donated by the players, a raffle after the match for a signed England shirt raised £1544, helping the Blues total pass the £36,000 mark.

The event was organised again this year by Frickley and England supporter Chad Thomas who has been fundraising among fellow England fans since the fund was launched almost two years ago.

He invited Garford Beck’s England Fans FC to play with the Blues winning on penalties after a 5-5 thriller at Westfield Lane. Before last Sunday’s game, a minutes silence was also observed in memory of Leeds teacher Ann Maguire who was killed the previous week.

Frickley Athletic Secretary Steve Pennock thanked everybody who was involved.

He said: "Everyone who took part in the event in one way or another really enjoyed the occasion and all at Frickley Athletic are very grateful to Chad and Garford in arranging this game to help the club towards its £50k target needed for the redevelopment fund.

"All at Frickley Athletic would like to say a massive thanks once again to all involved and hope that the momentum continues to raise the remaining £13000 or so."

Frickley Fans XI: Neil Ascough, Jaz Billard, Tom Dixon, Paul Furness, Bod Foster, Simon Hartshorn, Jon Hood, Kieran Jagger, Phil McCroakam, Ethel Naylor, Nicky Naylor, Simon Ostcliffe, Adam Page, Daniel Pain, Dave Palmer, Chad Thomas(C), Paul Thomas, Nathan Tomes.

England Fans FC: Justin Belle, Nathan Bent, Ricky Drew, Adam Durnin, Alex Greenhalgh, Chris Harkin, Craig Hewitt, Adam McDaid, Kevin McDaid, Richie Moore, Oliver Pearman, David Reasbeck, Rob Russell, Andrew Scullion, Sam Shethran, Craig Thompson, Mark Tighe (C)