Coventry City

The players – from the first-team, reserves and junior sections of the club – are on target to raise £1110, after taking part in a sponsored cycle in the lower precinct of the city centre.

After losing their main sponsor last summer, the Sky Blues have struggled to find the money to fund the necessities for the current season, such as transport for away fixtures, and hire of the training pitches and stadium. 

City Defender, Natalie Wilcox highlighted the importance of engaging with the general public in an ‘innovative’ way.

She said: "The money raised from the charity cycle, as well as all other fund raising initiatives, is invaluable.

"As we are an independently funded club, it is pivotal that we engage ourselves fully with innovative and imaginative fundraising ideas, and the charity cycle is a typical example of this.

"As well as raising much needed funds for both the club and a particularly special charity in the NSPCC, the location of the fundraiser at Lower Precinct, Coventry, will have raised the exposure of not only women's football, but also of Coventry City Ladies F.C."

The Sky Blues were delighted to engage with the community and appreciated the constant stream of support they received from the general public, during a thoroughly challenging and exhausting day. After the success on the day, the club have now been inspired to host more events that connect with the people of Coventry.

The club were also proud to promote the ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ organisation and make the public aware that the club do not tolerate racism in the game. 

Terry Harvey, Director of the Coventry City Girls Development Programme, was pleased by the way the organisation was given a platform to inform and educate young people.

He commented: "With all the bad press around racism in the modern game recently, it was great that we can educate the kids of today's society through these types of events.

"It has been an excellent PR exercise and we are promoting not only women in sport but that Coventry City have a ladies team to be proud of."

Money was also raised for the NSPCC that will help support the charity’s Boole House centre, which is delivering vital services to help the most vulnerable local children, young people and families in the city.

New services at the centre help protect children from sexual abuse and work to keep children safe from neglect, as well as working with parents who may have alcohol or drug problems.

Helen Dermody – one of the longest serving players at the club – felt it was important that both organisations received exposure for their hard work.

She added: "Fundraising for the NSPCC is a great cause and shows that as a club, we are willing to do charity work to help others and not just for ourselves. It will help raise awareness of both organisations, which will help causes both on and off the pitch."

Firstly, Coventry City Ladies would like to thank Coombe Abbey, Ricoh Arena and Coventry Sports Trust for donating raffle prizes for the day. 

All of the players and staff at Coventry City Ladies would like to thank everyone for their constant support, participation in activities and donations throughout the day.