Three football clubs based in Verwood recently teamed together to raise £1,000 by agreeing a weekend where all match fees were donated to Julia's House.

The weekend held in March saw matches played by local youngsters from Rossgarth YFC, Verwood Girls FC and adults from Verwood Town FC and Verwood Town Ladies FC.

The match fees collected from numerous matches, which would normally be used to fund the pitch hire and referee appointments, were collected and added together with any donations given on the side-lines at all matches. Collectively the clubs managed to raise £900. The committee of Rossgarth YFC then agreed to top up the fund-raising effort to a grand total of £1,000.

The cheque was recently presented to Alicia Poulson, Julia's House Community Fundraiser, by Glenn Gosden, Rossgarth Committee Member, at the Rossgarth end of season presentation day. Alicia said: " Thank you to everyone at Rossgarth YFC, Verwood Town FC and Verwood Girls for raising an incredible amount of money for Julia's House; their help means so much to us. We rely heavily on fundraising and donations to enable us to run our vital service and this money really will make a huge difference."

Rossgarth YFC and Verwood Town FC Chairman, Martin Gilham, who originally thought of the initiative, said: "Over the last 4 years we have been aiming on giving back to our local community. Recently we have funded football kits for local schools, donated to charity events and part funded soccer schools run through our linked club status with AFC Bournemouth Community Trust. This time we wanted to give back to the community in a different way and the work that Julia's House carries out locally is fantastic, so we couldn't think of a better cause to support on our charity weekend."

Julia's House provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition. This frequent and regular support can be provided in their own homes, in the community or at one of the Julia's House hospices.

Rossgarth Youth Football Club is a volunteer run FA Charter Standard club based in Verwood, whose aim is to provide the opportunity for boys and girls of all abilities to enjoy football, from ages 5 to 18. The support of the local community and local businesses help to keep over 300 children, from Verwood and the surrounding areas, playing regular football. Rossgarth also has strong links to Wessex League side Verwood Town FC and Verwood Girls FC

For further information regarding this news release please contact Glenn Gosden, Publicity Officer for Rossgarth YFC on 07387 022895 or rossgarthyfc@hotmail.com

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