Family fun day raises cash for Portchester club and family

Tracy Gordon and her partner Tony Hewitt organised the event at The Seagull, in Portchester.

Held yesterday, it is hoped the day will raise £2,000 to support Portchester Football Academy and OlliesFund.

The academy, which was set up by Tony, teaches children aged two to five to play football and it has grown over the past few months.

Based at Wicor Primary School, the club needs money for equipment.

The other half of donations will go towards a charity Tracy set up for her son Ollie.

The 11-year-old is disabled and has spent time in and out of hospital.

This year is the first year in a while he has not had surgery and Tracy wants to take him, his twin and Tony’s three children to Alton Towers.

She said: ‘The family day was about helping two causes that mean a lot to both me and Tony.

‘The academy needs equipment and other bits to make it better for the children.

‘We also want to take the whole family to Alton Towers as it’s something Ollie will love.

‘We are hoping to raise £2,000 from the day which went really well.

‘Families seemed to be enjoying themselves and the children were having fun.

‘It was great to see so many of the children from the academy and their parents too.

‘Everyone has been really supportive.’

The event had a bouncy castle, a penalty shoot-out game, slush drinks, ice creams and glitter tattoos.

There was also a raffle with signed Pompey shirts on offer as well as two tickets to watch a game at Fratton Park and other prizes from businesses in the area.

Julie Ballard went along to The Seagull with her partner Alistair Cross, seven-year-old Oliver Cross, eight-year-old Sophia Cross and 10-year-old Dylan Cross.

Sophia enjoyed the football games. She said: ‘I like the penalty shoot-out. It was really fun and football is my favourite sport.’

Oliver has been part of Portchester Football Academy for the past six weeks after Julie got in touch with Tony. She said: ‘I liked the idea of what they were offering so I e-mailed Tony and he signed Oliver up.

‘The day has been really great and there was lots for the children to do. It is good they want to raise the money to improve the club and make it as good as it can be.

‘It is nice that we can also give something back to them and their family by raising money for the trip to Alton Towers.’

For more information on the academy, search Portchester Football Academy on Facebook.