Young refs raise cash for Troops

At this year’s Young Referees’ Conference, which took place at Staverton Park on 22 and 23 May 2010, we The FA Referees’ Department, decided to hold a raffle to raise money for Tickets for Troops - a very worthy cause supported by The FA.

With a wide range of great prizes on offer, including various items of referee kit and equipment and a top prize of an England shirt signed by John Terry and Matthew Upson, tickets sold quickly and easily. So many of the referees and staff in attendance were very generous and made kind donations to this charity. Some attendees of the conference themselves were members of the Armed Forces and very much appreciated the gesture and the good work of the Tickets for Troops charity.

The decision to donate the money raised through this raffle to Tickets for Troops tied in with the fact that the final England home friendly, versus Mexico on 24 May, was dedicated to the brave men and women who have been serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The match was named the ‘Tickets for Troops International’ with 1000 tickets being donated to the charity to offer to servicemen and women and their loved ones. Ahead of the kick-off, the England players led the crowd in applauding the soldiers, airmen and sailors both in the stadium and elsewhere as a mark of respect for their commitment and bravery.

Prior to this game, Alan Shearer, Patron of the Tickets for Troops charity said: "It’s fantastic that The FA and England players have decided to support us in this way. Tickets for Troops is a simple way to give something back and recognise what a great job our troops do around the world on our behalf."

John Terry, Chelsea captain and England defender added: "We want the Armed Forces to have the recognition and support they fully deserve. They are the people who are putting their lives on the line for us and are the true heroes.

After a final count of the proceeds of this raffle, we were very pleased to discover that a total of £418 had been raised. We were delighted to donate this to Tickets for Troops to continue their fantastic work and would like to thank all those who participated in such a successful raffle – something we will look to do again at future events with the hope of raising even more.