The Football Association (FA) has thrown its weight behind our campaign to save a children's football league.

Sutton Little League is under threat after its main source of income - a refreshments pavilion - was turned into a nursery by Sutton Council.

Last month, the Sutton Guardian launched the Little League Lifeline campaign, and Surrey FA have since offered its support.

Caroline McRoyall, Surrey County FA's Football Development Manager said the league's survival is of paramount for young footballers in the area.

She said: "The Sutton Little League in Royston Park provides affordable football for local children in Carshalton and this worthwhile cause will help them to gain income to continue to allow children to enjoy the beautiful game."

This weekend youngsters who play in the under-threat league are raising money themselves through a sponsored penalty shoot-out.

Budding football stars will be at Royston Park on Saturday morning (September 7) where each player will be asked to raise as much money as possible to help with the £8,000 a season running costs.

Any player who raises over £100 will get a football shirt of their choice and a number of players have already reached that target.

Wayne Francis, treasurer of the league, said: "If every youngster manages to collect £10, we will raise nearly £3,000 just from that, which is a great start.

"It's all about he enjoyment this weekend, but we hope it will help the cause."

The Sutton Guardian campaign is aiming to raise £3,000 so the league can buy a new burger van to replace the lost income from the pavilion cafe.

It is hoped selling refreshments will generate enough income for the league to become self-sufficient for the foreseeable future.

So far the league has received a donation from Southern Rail for £250 with more expected from other donors in the coming weeks.

A spokesman for Southern Rail, said: "Helping our local communities wherever we can is something we see as extremely important.

"We were approached by one of our employees whose son has recently joined the Osprey’s under 11 football team, and he asked us if we could make a donation to the Sutton Little League."

If you want to donate, you can either send a cheque made payable to Sutton Little League and address it to Wayne Francis, 65 Bramblewood Close, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 1PQ.

Or alternatively you can transfer money straight into the little league account which is with Natwest, Account number 37619225, Sort code 602108.

To get involved with fundraising email jpepper@london.newsquest.co.uk. 

 

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