Blackpool FC Girls out in force for charity

The girls were put through their paces at Cottam Hall playing fields in Poulton on a fitness course put together by the 2nd Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment,based at Weeton.

The players from various BFC squads aged 9-16 tested their skills across a number of training exercises to raise money for the Scotty’s Little Soldiers charity.

The charity was founded by war widow Nikki Scott in 2010 in memory of her husband and father to her two children, Corporal Lee Scott, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009.

Organised by BFC Girls coach Mike Healey, the event included sprint races, football juggling skills and ball taps alongside other circuit and skill-based games

Mike found out about Scotty’s Little Soldiers on social media and felt compelled to raise awareness. His late brother John was a serviceman overseas.

Mike said: “It’s a phenomenal cause. This is a way for us to raise awareness and money but also to teach our girls about the brave children who are perhaps in situations that are different to theirs.”

Kate Dring, corporate fundraising manager of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, said: “It really was a fantastic day despite the weather. It was amazing to see the support from the girls who took part in the challenges, laughing and smiling.

“We hope our message has touched the people of Blackpool and can’t say thank you enough to Mike and the football club for their support.”

The Girls’ under-13s alone have raised over £500 and the online page for donations will be open until the end of the month at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/blackpool-girls-ladies-fc