On a cold Sunday Morning in January, the U10 Ospreys side from SYFC took part in a sponsored run event in order to raise funds for their team. This event happened at the weekly 'Great Run Local' event held at the Hilsea Lido, where participants can compete a timed 2 or 5km run.

To make it a challenge for the players Phill Hawkins and Mike Munday, the team coaches, decided to set the team the challenge of completing the 5km run. This would raise funds and also be a useful team building and fitness session to continue to develop the players.

On arrival the team attended the mandatory safety brief and were told the route and then after a short pause they lined up with roughly 170 other runners to start.

It was apparent as the run started that some of the players weren't quite aware of just how far the distance to cover was! However- they soon settled into their own pace and maintained their smile and enthusiasm throughout.

The team all completed the run with times ranging from 23m33sec - 32 mins. All were very pleased with their efforts and all other runners commented very highly on the teams behaviour throughout and the times achieved - for most this was the furthest distance they had ever run!!

Stubbington Youth FC would like to take this opportunity to thank the organisers of the Great Run Local Portsmouth - in particular Roger Watling, who organised all his volunteers to provide safety cover on the day. Also a big thank you to those parents who either completed the run or were placed around the course taking photos of the team.

The total raised on the day was £445! This will be used to continue to try and provide the best coaching facilities and kit available for the players.

Photographs of the day can be seen on the teams webpage.