Combined Donation

COLERAINE FC in partnership with Coleraine Rugby Football Club ran a joint appeal to supply birthday presents to children affected by the war in Ukraine…

The idea came from Claire Boyd, who is a parent within both clubs through her son Isaac, after seeing a similar appeal on Sky News.

During the event which took place at the Rugby Club on Sunday, March 27, players from Coleraine Youths 2013s along with players from Coleraine’s P5 Mini Rugby, joined forces to take part in some football and rugby skills, before playing a match in their respective sports.

Each child attending kindly donated a girl or boy birthday present.

Under the slogan of “teamwork makes the dream work” the bags will be collected and then distributed in Ukraine via the Red Cross. Furthermore, to the birthday bags, both teams took part in bucket collections at their local matches, raising a fantastic £611 in aid of the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

During the event, the players had such a fantastic time. The sun was shining, and the hot dogs and ice cream went down a treat. The day was capped off with a few special visits. Coleraine’s star man Lyndon Kane popped along for a few photos, accompanied by the one and only Benny the Bannsider!

his was further topped off by the arrival of Coleraine’s Firsts captain David Greatorex and vice Matthew Smyth.

A massive well done to all the players and parents who supported the event, to both the rugby and football coaches who took their time out on a Sunday to run the sessions, as well to all the special guests from both clubs for popping along to watch the players in action.

Finally, a special word of thanks from Jamie Selfridge to Claire Boyd for organising such a brilliant appeal for a very special cause. A great day was had by all, and teamwork definitely did make the dream work.

For anyone who wishes to further support the Red Cross, please donate to the following link HERE.