Wiltshire Girls Advanced Coaching Centre raise money for Mental Health charity

Wiltshire FA Advanced Coaching Centre (ACC) U14’s squad have been busy keeping active, whilst raising money for charity throughout the lockdown period. The squad have raised over £2,000.00 for MIND.  MIND are a leading mental health charity who aim to help and support anyone experiencing mental health problems. They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Maddie Hines who is a member of the U14 squad, turned lock-down activities set by their coaches Joe Foley into various challenges for the squad to complete – with the added twist of raising money via sponsorship.

Maddie says ‘In our team, many of us know a key worker who is doing an amazing job in these challenging times.  As a team we all decided to show what they meant to us by challenging ourselves to run and raise money.  We thought this was perfect because not only does it help key workers it also benefits our fitness, making sure we come back fit and ready when football is back on.  Everyone in our team has done amazingly well so far.  They have all planned their own routes and I think they have shown strength resilience and determination at this difficult time’

Joe Foley who is the lead U14 coach adds  ‘It is hugely impressive that the girls used their initiative to challenge themselves both as individuals and also as teammates (within the ACC) while in lock-down. The initial idea from Maddie to raise money for MIND which is a great cause was massively supported by the other girls. To raise more than £2,000 in the first week is an amazing effort and credit to them all.  We look forward to congratulating them in person as soon as its possible.’

Tim Hall, Senior Football Development Officer, who leads on Girls & Women’s football at Wiltshire FA ‘We are extremely proud of the girls for their continual commitment to the sport, but for also being aware and contributing to wider societal challenges – both with COVID 19 and mental health. On a week when the FA have announced that participation figures have doubled in the female game since with 2017, with more than 3.4m active female players – we hope that we can all get back playing soon and share even more good news stories’ 

If you wish to donate to the girls or read more about the fundraiser please click here.

If you are experiencing any mental health difficulties, you can find more information about MIND by clicking the link here.