Deeping United fundraising to send team to Dutch Trophy in Eindhoven

A football club is looking to net funds as well as goals this season to send a team into Europe.

Deeping United FC has entered an under 15s team into the Dutch Trophy, in Eindhoven, next May and wants to ensure that every one of the 16 players called up can afford to make the trip.

The club is looking to raise £450 for each of the players towards the cost of taking them on the ‘dream’ tour of the Netherlands.

“It is all they are talking about at school - they are all so excited,” said tour organiser Amanda Sylvester whose son plays for the team and husband Gavin is among four U15s coaches.

“I think it’s more than a football tour for them, it’s making memories for life. They have never been on tour - some of them have never been abroad before.”

They have already attracted £4,900 of sponsorship from Deeping Lions, Apollo Healthcare Technologies, Steelco, CONSULTig, New Image Office Design, Richards’ Carpentry and Construction, Wheels Motorcycles, Winkworths Estate Agents, Hegarty solicitors, The Spin Room, Deeping Stage Hotel, and BXF (Boris Xtreme Fitness).

The £15,000 target will pay for the entry, coach travel, ferry and accommodation as well as tour kits which will feature the names of their sponsors.

“We are trying to bring the costs down for parents, but if we could cover the whole cost it would be incredible,” added Amanda.

Deeping United Under 15s Reds were one of just two teams when the club was founded in 2018.

Just six years later, United now has more than 30 teams, from under 6s all the way through to veterans, and the club has a planning application for a dedicated home ground of its own in Market Deeping.

The Reds, who have played together since under 8s, now plays in the top tier of the Peterborough Youth League after a series of promotions.

“They are not just a football team, they are a group of friends on the pitch and also away from football,” said Amanda.

“I’m not sure where the tour could lead to as far as professionally, but it will at least open the players’ minds to their future footballing career whether professionally or just for fitness and enjoyment.”

To find out about sponsoring the squad, call Gav or Amanda on 07976 557041.