A FUNDRAISING race night has given one of Wyre Forest’s most promising junior football teams a huge boost after over £1,500 was raised.

The event, which saw almost 200 people attending, raised £1,516 for Kidderminster Athletic Hawks Under 9s – money which will play a key role in funding new equipment, winter training facilities and entries into competitions.

The evening, held at the Kidderminster Harriers Social Club, included eight virtual horse races and a raffle which was supported by firms across the district – with businesses including Howdens Joinery, West Midland Safari Park, Smyths Toys and mfg Solicitors all donating prizes.

Hawks Manager Jon Maskell said: “To have such a great turn out for our race night was fantastic and to raise a record total was the icing on the cake.

“We have always ran the team as professionally as we can but that needs as much funding as possible so the boys can enjoy the latest training equipment, kits and also pay for entries into tournaments.

“The money raised has also secured us the hire of a brilliant floodlit training pitch for this winter so the boys can keep learning and developing even on the darkest nights.

“A massive thank you to everyone who supported the race night and a special mention to all of the businesses who backed us with some first-class raffle prizes. Everyone has been so generous and I am sure the lads will do everyone proud this season.”

Kidderminster Athletic Hawks Under 9s play in the Stourport and District League but its squad of 11 also travel across the UK to take part in tournaments. Its main sponsors are BBF Consulting, Lux Premier Cars, Bridgepoint Accounting and Howdens Joinery Kidderminster.