Evening of football between Lakenheath FC and Mildenhall Town FC raises more than £1,000 with Cameron Ventures Group involvement

A successful evening of football helped to raise more than £1,000 for the youth teams of two clubs in Suffolk.

About 200 people turned up to support the free event at the Pitstop Auto Factor Arena in Lakenheath as the village’s U9’s and U11’s football teams faced off against Mildenhall Town’s youth sides of the same age bracket.

The Cameron Ventures Group, based in Mildenhall, also played against the Lakenheath XI following the success of their first game at the start of August.

Brian Keane, director of the Cameron Hotel Collection, who owns The Riverside House Hotel in Mildenhall, said: “It was a great evening raising much-needed funds for Mildenhall and Lakenheath youth football teams.

“Team Cameron’s match was played in good spirits and it was close for the first 70 mins, before Lakenheath scored four quick goals so it finished 8-2.

“The most important result was raising funds for the youth and it felt great to be a part of it.”

Mr Keane added if any football club in the area wants to help raise funds for their youth side then they are welcome to contact the Cameron Ventures Group.

The free-to-attend event in Lakenheath raised £1,000.42 following the evening of football, while a BBQ and raffle was also on offer.

Mildenhall Town Youth manager Trevor Bennett said: “This event was about spreading the word of the issue of money within grassroots football in the local area and it is definitely something on people’s minds.

“Clubs are struggling for affordable venues and parents are finding teams that are within their budgets for their children - it’s a circle that needs addressing for all involved.

“The conversations taken place have highlighted the same issues and obstacles encountered in running effective football youth teams.

“The positive message that has now progressed from these games is that more and more local people want to not only get involved with these clubs as sponsors but also arrange more events in the future with other clubs.

“The momentum has now begun to build and the determination of individuals and businesses to fundraise will create the opportunity for football clubs to now expand and offer opportunities to more children to play football as a means to fun, friendships and fitness.”