Villages to host football tournament for Ukraine centre

Bradenham and Mattishall Football Club, based in Hale Road, Bradenham, will host the event on August 5 to raise money for the  Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre.

Teams from Becton, Fakenham and Gayton will all take part in the event, which was organised by hometeam striker Keith Houghton.  

The event, starting at noon, is being headed up by Keith Houghton, striker at Bradenham and Mattishall FC (Image: Keith Houghton)

Mr Houghton, 33, said: “Giving back, fundraising and organising events is something I have a passion for, and I have regularly done within the communities I’ve been a part of as it is a fundamental value of mine.

“When Ian said he was looking for interested parties I shared it with the committee at the club who were happy to support such a worthy cause.”

There will be four games with the winners from the two semi-finals competing for the title and the other teams in a third-place playoff.

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The event is taking place on the same day as Game4Ukraine at Stamford Bridge in London on the same day.

That tournament is benefitting United24, a platform launched by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to fundraise for the wartorn country. 

The Bradenham and Mattishall clubhouse will be open for drinks and food, and there will be a barbecue and Ukrainian cake stand. 

There will also be games including 'spot the balls' and a raffle.

Mr Houghton said: “I’m feeling extremely excited about the event.  

Being organised at the home of Bradenham and Mattishall FC, a charity football tournament will take place on August 5, to raise money for Dereham Ukraine Aid Centre (Image: Google Maps)

“The work the centre does is incredible and even if we can achieve a fraction of what Ian and the centre have achieved over time, I will be delighted.

“I know the people in the community will come together to support us and show our solidarity with our Ukrainian friends, neighbours and family.”