Coaches and parents from half a dozen children’s football clubs battled it out on the pitch for a good cause.
Motherwell Phoenix 2014s came up with the idea of hosting a round-robin tournament with a difference.
They invited five other 2014s teams from the local ML1 area to take part in the competition – Mill United FC, Yett Farm FC, Fir Park Corner FC, Burnbank FC, and Villa Park FC.
The youngsters have faced off against each other before but on this occasion it was the turn of parents and coaches to leave their all on the park.
The event raised almost £700 which will go towards a thrilling fun day out at theme park Alton Towers for the Phoenix players.
Debbie Malone, parent and team helper at Motherwell Phoenix said: “We are always looking for new ways to raise funds for these amazing kids, they work so hard all year round, training, playing games, and going to festivals etc.
“I thought we could try something different, and put the coaches and parents to work this time. As we are all each other’s rivals I contacted the other teams and put the idea to them of ‘Battle of the ML1’ – six local teams going head to head in a round-robin.
“As always, the support we had from our local teams was amazing, they were all up for it and found it a brilliant idea.”
The ML1 “battle” took place last month and with the cold weather, the football club came up with the idea of raising some extra funds by selling hot drinks (tea / coffee / hot chocolate) and even threw in a few free biscuits.
Debbie continued: “This went down an absolute treat with the spectators. We charged a small fee for hot drinks and spectators entry fee. Between entry fee (teams), hot drinks and spectator charge we raised an outstanding £690.
“We are taking 25 kids away to Alton Towers this May to compete in their first ever away festival and every penny of this is going towards that.
Each of the teams brought a band of supporters with them who created a great atmosphere.
“The kids absolutely loved being the ones to shout at the coaches for a change,” Debbie added. “Team captains and player of the match were all presented with a medal for their participation.
“Each team was presented with an engraved trophy and a goody box of Tim Horton donuts, which were very kindly donated by the team at Tim Hortons in Motherwell”.
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