The Football United charity football and fun day will be held at Newington school in Ramsgate tomorrow ( August 31) from 10am – 5pm.
The event, in memory of Thanet men Ben Stone, Marc Wood and Paul Connell, will raise funds for mental health support group SpeakUp CIC.
It has been organised by parents with youngsters on the Thanet United Warriors team – formerly SMS – and team manager Craig White, who have all been personally touched by the losses.
There will be lots of local teams competing for the memorial cup which the organisers hope to be able to present on a yearly basis. There will attractions including a coconut shy, inflatable sports (with thanks to Clayton Holloway), beat the keeper, speed goal, two bouncy castles, face painting, hair braiding, coloured hair dye stall and a massive raffle.
Natasha said: “We have been absolutely overwhelmed with the businesses who have donated to our raffle. we have some amazing prizes.
“We are truly touched that the businesses of Thanet have contributed to such an amazing cause. Some people aren’t fond of Thanet or the people that live here, but we are proud to live is such a generous community who all come together in these testing times.
“We would like to thank the businesses of Thanet and everyone else who will be helping to make this event a success. Raffle tickets will be sold on the day and by the organisers in the build up to the event.”
There are now more than 150 raffle prizes. Recent donations include signed Coldplay memorabilia and art work. Prizes aso include a flight in a Boeing Stearman donated by Terence Painter Estate Agents, a signed Crystal Palace training donated by Richard Shaw who played for Crystal Palace in the 1990 FA Cup final against Man Utd and prizes from businesses including Hogman’s Butchers in Broadstairs, Hyundai Canterbury, JJS Brickwork, Mystery InKorporated, Ramsgate Football Club and many more.
Entertainment comes from DJ Muffer from 10am-12, 6&8s starting at 12pm. Raffle draw at 2pm and The Petite Filous start at 3pm. Other attractions include youth football, inflatables for the children, as well as cake stalls. SpeakUpCIC, Rethink and the Coastguard will also be in attendance.