Southport Veterans to host 24 hour walking football challenge in support of local schools

Title winning Everton FC star Ian Snodin will officially kick off a 24 hour walking football challenge starting this Wednesday (18th September 2024) in memory of the three young girls who were killed at The Hart Space in Southport in July.

Southport Veterans FC will take on the challenge at Dunes Leisure Centre in Southport from 10am on Wednesday until 10am on Thursday (19th September 2024).

You can donate via the JustGiving page here.

Every penny raised will go towards Farnborough Road, Churchtown and Marshside primary schools in Southport.

They are the three schools which were attended by Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven; Bebe King, aged six, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine.

The three girls were tragically killed as they attended a Taylor Swift themed dance and yoga class at the Hart Space in Southport at the start of the school summer holidays on 29th July.

The generosity of local people has already seen over £9,000 raised for charity ahead of kick-off.

The game is being sponsored by local businesses including Dowhigh and KC Workwear and Sportswear.

Southport FC Manager Jim Bentley, Sporting Director Tammy Burgess and Head of Football Operations Andy Burgess will be among Southport FC representatives making guest appearances in the 12pm-2pm session on Wednesday.

Southport knife attack victims. Elsie, Bebe and Alice.

Event organiser Steven Thompson said:

“We are now over £9,000 which is unbelievable.

“Liverpool FC have given us some great prizes for our Auction and Tombola.

“They include two tickets for their game against Chelsea in October, Stadium Tour Tickets and a shirt signed by the first team and manager Arne Slot

“Everton FC have arranged for former player Ian Snodin to kick us off at 10am.

“It’s been a great effort from everyone, with lots and lots of Tombola Prizes and Auction items from many local people and businesses – the support has been fantastic.

“We are setting up a Public Auction for some of the more valuable items that have been donated and we now have a Facebook page for the event: Veterans walking football Southport 24 hour charity event.”

Support from well wishers during either daytime or night-time will be welcomed and appreciated.

The Auction has gone live and can be viewed here.