Junior Thornhill footballers ‘absolute smash’ Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge to raise vital funds for facilities
Young footballers from a Thornhill club have completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise money for training facilities during the cold winter months.
Five players from Thornhill AFC Panthers and Jaguars under 10s side took part in the demanding challenge last month.
The nine and ten year olds were joined by their supportive dads, as well as coaches from the Thornhill Cricket and Bowling Club-based outfit, climbing Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in an impressive 11 hours and 56 minutes.
The brave group – consisting of young players Zara, Jaxx, Leo, Lowell and Lewis – has raised more than £1,000 which will go towards providing all of the club’s teams with more reliable winter training facilities.
A proud spokesperson for Thornhill AFC Panthers and Jaguars said: “They absolutely smashed it. They were really excited about it but they knew how hard it would be.
“They showed great team-work by waiting for each other at the last peak to make sure they all came down together. And to do it in under 12 hours is an incredible achievement.”
On how the raised funds will support the club this winter, the spokesperson said: “As a grassroots team, we are passionate about keeping football accessible to as many children as possible.
“We fundraise throughout the year, with players, parents, coaches and our local community all getting involved to help keep costs down for families.
“Last winter, a number of training sessions had to be cancelled because of the weather, and, while hiring 3G pitches throughout the winter can be expensive, the money raised from the challenge will help towards providing the teams with more reliable winter training facilities.
“We’re incredibly proud of what the children have achieved.”
To donate, visit: https://tinyurl.com/ycyjk2ss