Young footballing stars from Helston have been selected for an experience of a lifetime, to represent Cornwall and the UK abroad - but they need a little bit of help getting there.
No fewer than 11 of Helston Dynamos Under 13s football team have been chosen to play for Cornwall Select in Germany this May.
Now Chris Strike, volunteer coach of Helston Dynamos Under 13s football team, has launched a fundraising page to help his young players live out their dreams.
Chris has set up a GoFundMe page with a target of £5,500, which he hopes to reach before the beginning of April ahead of the trip in May.
Although a huge honour for his young team, the cost of the trip will be £870 per player, which Chris said was a big ask in today's financial climate.
He hopes that the team members can raise as much as they can towards the trip, which will be split between each player equally. He is calling on the support of local businesses, residents and organisations to donate what they can to the cause.
Writing on a GoFundMe page, Chris said: "In the current climate, it will be so difficult for the parents to fund this trip and it's a fantastic opportunity for the boys - it would be a real shame for any of them to miss out."
If they manage to raise enough for the trip, the team will travel out on Sunday, May 22 by coach through the Eurotunnel into France, through Belgium and onto Germany.
"The cost will cover everything that the boys will need for the trip.
"The boys would be so grateful for any help, and I really appreciate you taking the time to read this," added Chris.
n No fewer than 11 members have been selected for the trip
Chris, who used to play for Cornwall FC himself, has been coaching the players for several years, and some of them have been under his direction since they were six or seven.
It is a proud moment for Chris, who added: "Some of the players have come a long way, I am pretty proud of them."
Fundraising events such as a sponsored bike ride and a family fun day have been discussed as an additional way to raise money.
The Under 13 team trains on Thursday evenings at Helston Community College and again on Saturday mornings at Helston AFC, where Chris is also a secretary at the club.
If you would like to donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/helston-dynamos-west-cornwall-select-germany-trip
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