A charity football match hosted by Neale Wade Academy has raised over £1,000 with the proceeds to be shared between Children in Need and a young local boy connected to the school community who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. 

Student leaders of the school, which is part of The Active Learning Trust, suggested the idea and went on to organise every element of the event that took place last week, including managing the two football teams. 

The teams were comprised of staff from Neale Wade Academy, including the school’s principal, Graham Horn. 

In an exciting match, ‘AFC Baxter’ beat opposition team ‘Ambler United’ 7-6 in a tense penalty shoot-out, after the game finished 3-3 at full time. 

Cambs Times: Neale Wade Academy’s staff football team ‘Ambler United’.Neale Wade Academy’s staff football team ‘Ambler United’. (Image: Neale-Wade Academy)

The school’s PE teacher, Mr Young, was crowned ‘player of the match’. 

In the position of ‘Referee’ Mr Kenning, usually to be found teaching Psychology at the school, had a busy match, showing five yellow cards to the competitive teachers. 

The sell-out crowd was made up of Neale Wade students who each gave a minimum donation of £1 to watch the event. They added to the atmosphere throughout the game and even lit up the sidelines with mobile phone lights as the evening went on. 

Samuel Keenoy, the spokesperson for the student leaders, said “We have all really enjoyed organising and taking part in this event. It was great to involve students and teachers together and to have so many students from the school come to watch and raise so much money for the charities.  

Cambs Times: Neale Wade Academy’s staff football team ‘AFC Baxter'.Neale Wade Academy’s staff football team ‘AFC Baxter'. (Image: Neale-Wade Academy)

“It has really inspired us all to do more events like this”. 

Principal Graham Horn added: “I am immensely proud of our student leaders, our staff and the wider Neale Wade community for the way they have joined together to create such a special event.  

“The generosity of everyone involved to commit their time and donate to these good courses is fantastic to see.” 

Following the success of this event there are plans for more charity matches to take place in the future. 

Cambs Times: Neale Wade Academy’s student leaders from Year 11 with Principal Graham Horn.Neale Wade Academy’s student leaders from Year 11 with Principal Graham Horn. (Image: Neale-Wade Academy)