Borders boys on their way to Wembley to raise funds – without setting foot south of Carter Bar

A Borders youth team are on their way to Wembley – but only virtually.
Members of Lauderdale's 2007 youth football team.Members of Lauderdale's 2007 youth football team.
Members of Lauderdale's 2007 youth football team.

A Borders youth team are on their way to Wembley – but only virtually.

The Lauderdale 2007 team – made up of 18 boys aged 12 and 13 from Lauder, Kelso, Melrose, Earlston and Fountainhall – are aiming to run the equivalent of the 356-mile journey from their home pitch to the English national stadium in London without setting foot south of Carter Bar.

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They’re doing that virtual run to raise money to help cover the cost of the coronavirus safety measures they now need to observe and to try to compensate for no longer being able to carry out fundraising activities among spectators as they’re still banned from attending matches.

The rest of Lauderdale's 2007 youth football team.The rest of Lauderdale's 2007 youth football team.
The rest of Lauderdale's 2007 youth football team.

The sponsored run is also a way of keeping them active as they’re not currently able to play in their usual Edinburgh league or against Midlothian or East Lothian teams due to coronavirus travel restrictions and can only play friendlies against other Borders sides.

Davie Robertson, one of three coaches for the team, along with Mark Williamson and Ben Gilhooley, said: “Due to the current ban on spectators and the additional costs of maintaining a covid-safe environment, the club are needing to raise extra funds.

“They are all taking part and are not only raising valuable funds for the club but are also increasing their fitness levels and improving their mental health.

“They really are a great bunch.”

The boys are currently less than £100 away from their fundraising target of £750.

For details of how to help them hit it, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/julie-robertson-1?utm_term=ZVgg8p4WB

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