Walking, rather than running, around a football pitch has helped Derbyshire County Football Association raise £314 for children and young adults whose lives are just too short. 

Battling it out at walking pace at Belper Leisure Centre for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice were teams from the Alfretonians, Mansfield Senior Reds, Mansfield Senior Yellows, Derby County Community Trust, Barmy Army, Chesterfield Senior Spireites, Belper Leisure Centre and Ashbourne Leisure Centre. 

Derbyshire County FA’s first charity tournament saw money raised through entry fees and fines, including £1 if a team was caught running by the referee more than five times in a match, 50p if an individual received a card from the referee and £1 if a team did not score. 

Angie Harper, Football Development Officer for Derbyshire County FA said: “We were delighted that so many teams took part in the charity walking football festival to raise money for an excellent cause. We hope to make it a regular event in the walking football calendar.” 

Lucy Rathbone, Bluebell Wood’s Community Fundraiser for North Derbyshire said: “It was a fantastic day and great to see so many people do their bit for the children and young adults supported by Bluebell Wood. The money raised will make a difference to families across the region, helping them to make special memories, whether they have days, months or years left together.”