It’s going to be a season to remember for the South Delta United Division One U12 boys soccer team regardless of what happens on the pitch.
The group of 11-year-olds, along with some players from the club’s U11 Division One team, will be travelling to England next March for a trip of soccer, culture and fun.
Basing themselves out of London, United will play three matches against teams from London and the surrounding area. They will take in a Premier League match featuring Leicester FC and Watford FC, as well as a Champions League match between Charlton Athletic and Queens Park Rangers.The boys will also attend training sessions at Tottenham Hotspur’s Academy and West Ham United’s Academy.
There will be a cultural trip out to Stonehenge and the beautiful Cathedral City of Salisbury. Other plans are to enjoy the amenities of London, such as, The London Eye, The Tower of London, a night at the Theatre and a visit to Buckingham Palace, to name a few.
"The experience of training and playing soccer in England will give the boys a lifetime memory and will be an encouragement to their love of the game and skill, plus an understanding that through a dream and hard work, this can become a reality,” explained United coach Owain McKibbin. “The boys hard effort and dedication to their fundraising activities has already shaped them into a stronger team and shown them they can achieve a dream.”
The boys have been busy fundraising in the community with chocolate bar sales, bottle drives, hot dog sales and corporate fundraising.
“This is a significant undertaking and we have appreciated the tremendous support we have received to date, but still have a long way to go,” continued McKibbin.
The latest fundraising effort is a beer and burger fundraiser on Saturday (Sept. 14) from 6-to-9 p.m. at the Landing Pub and Grill. For $15 customers will get a burger, their choice of beverage (wine, beer or pop) and support the team too. There will also be raffle draws.
“We truly appreciate of how supportive and generous our community is and we welcome this opportunity to show how skilled and competitive our U12 team is, even in a European setting. We feel the boys will be a team to be proud of in England,” added McKibbin.
He welcomes donations and any other fundraising ideas by emailing him at [email protected].
