Christmas charity match at Faraday Road a festive success

Despite Newbury Football Club spending the Christmas period at home, there was still some festive action to be found at Faraday Road Football Ground.

A Christmas football match took place on Saturday 29th December to raise money for a young people’s charity.

The match was arranged by Neil McDougall, who received a donation to cover the cost of hiring the pitch.

He described the morning’s action as “two squads of fading footballers reliving their youth, with a few of their sons playing in two squads of sixteen.”

“The match ended 2-1 to the Greens, decided by a penalty, and possibly a tad against the run of play.

“The weather was very kind on the day and the teams had great family support.

“Thanks to South-Down Engraving, a trophy and medals were presented post match.

“It was a great day and everyone involved - playing, arranging, providing hot drinks and food - had a great morning out over the festive season.”

The match was in aid of PHAB, a charity which aims to inspire and support disabled and non-disabled children, young people and adults.

They provide opportunities to make more of life together, through a network of 130 clubs across England and Wales.

They have 8,000 members and their residential adventures aim to break down community barriers, reduce social isolation, and create opportunities.

The match alone raised £350 for the charity, while organiser McDougall is looking to go one step further.

He’ll run The London Marathon on April 27th, with a sub-four hour target in mind.

He’s already raised a fantastic £1,056 of his £1,850.

To learn more about PHAB and McDougall’s challenge, visit tinyurl.com/namarb4s