Kentishfootball.co.uk - It was a privilege to come to Maidstone to help raise money for such a good cause

It was a privilege to come to Maidstone to help raise money for such a good cause - Dave Beasant

Friday, 13 January 2012

Soccer Elite FA welcomed in the New Year with a truly star studded event which saw many ex International footballers and legendary professionals from the past play a charity match against Soccer Elite FA coaches on behalf of Demelza, Hospice Care for Children seven days ago.

Hosted by Maplesden Noakes School, Maidstone and supported by Terry Mancini, ex Arsenal, Queen’s Park Rangers and Republic of Ireland of Mancini Events and Simon Durrant of Durrant Wapshott, in excess of 450 spectators saw a hugely entertaining game and in the process raised in excess of £3,000 for Demelza.

The Ex International and Pro's side containing players of the calibre of Dave Beasant (England) Marcus Gayle (Jamaica), Jamie Lawrence (England), Steve Lovell (Wales) and Ian Cox (Trinidad & Tobago) eventually ran out 3 -2 winners against a well drilled and highly committed Soccer Elite FA side consisting of many ex professional and semi-professional footballers from days gone by.

The excitable crowd witnessed some quality goals from both sides, not least a 35-yard screamer from Gayle that brought back many memories from the past.

Not so for Dean Ruddy, Soccer Elite's goalkeeper at the time who could only watch and admire such a wonder goal as it soared past him.

During the intervals a penalty competition for Soccer Elite's young Academy players took place against Dave Beasant and this was won by Joe Martineau.

Players, spectators and business representatives from across the region praised the organisation of the event which was put together by Stuart Bell, Operations Director for Soccer Elite FA in just four weeks.

Mr Bell said: “The commitment of all the star players to not just take part on the night but sign autographs and have photographs taken with a large percentage of the crowd demonstrated a real desire to support the Demelza cause.”

Former Wimbledon, Chelsea and England keeper Beasant, the first player to save a penalty in an FA Cup final, when he denied John Aldridge as the Crazy Gang defeated Liverpool in the 1988 final, said: “We get lots of requests to play in games such as these and it was a privilege to come to Maplesden Noakes School to help raise money for such a good cause.

“Soccer Elite FA have an enviable reputation for what they do and the professionalism exhibited in the staging of the event demonstrated was second to none".

Mancini said: “What a fantastic evening for everyone associated with Soccer Elite, Demelza and all the players taking part. It was an event to remember and many of the players were so impressed with the set up they have committed their time in the future for a re-match in support of Demelza. A huge well done to everyone involved."

Lee Spiller and Tony Browne, founders and directors of Soccer Elite FA expressed their gratitude to all those involved in the hosting of the event and particularly to everyone donating money to Demelza on the night.

The event launched Soccer Elite FA's association with Demelza Hospice Care for Children for 2012.

Last Updated ( Friday, 13 January 2012 )