Jeff Stelling sends message of support to FC Hartlepool players setting off on 5,000 virtual trek to Arizona

FC Hartlepool players will walk the distance of Hartlepool to Arizona to raise club funds and lift spirits after Covid-19. They have been backed by TV presenter Jeff Stelling.

TV presenter Jeff Stelling is backing a Hartlepool community football club which is pulling on its trainers for a 5,000-mile virtual run to America.

Over 100 FC Hartlepool footballers, from toddlers to stars of the Wearside League, will pull together to cover the distance between Hartlepool and their newly twinned US counterparts Phoenix Rising FC in Arizona.

The challenge starts on Saturday, August 15 and it is due to finish on September 19 with over 141 miles a day required.

The players are aiming to raise £20,000 to help with the club’s quest to establish a permanent home.

FC Hartlepool has teams with players from four to adults.

In a message of support, Jeff said: “This is a really important fundraiser. I did 29 walking marathons in 29 days and I know this is going to be mighty tough.

"I just wanted to say good luck to everyone who's taking part and to urge people to give this project every support they possibly can, even in these difficult times.”

The event also aims to lift some of the gloom of the Covid-19 pandemic and raise awareness for the club.

FC Hartlepool Vice Chairman Jon Gould said: “FC Hartlepool is a grassroots football club which is also structured as a charity.

"Our ethos is based around developing our players, but we also aim to interact, help and benefit our wider community.

“All of our teams will take part in the run, from our Kickers section to our first team. Our player ages range from four years old to adult and all will play an important part in achieving the distance.”

Stephen Paylor, technical director at Arizona's Phoenix Rising FC, comes from Hartlepool and saw the potential for a cross Atlantic grass-roots twinning project with FC Hartlepool.

He said: ‘’This virtual run to adjoin our clubs is just the start in what we hope to be a long-term mutually beneficial partnership.”

Local accountants Censis, which has a long-standing relationship with the club, have teamed up to be the run's main partner.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the club or being involved in any way can contact [email protected] or contact the club via social media.

To sponsor the run go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/fchartlepool/funrun20

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Jeff Stelling sends message of support to FC Hartlepool players setting off on 5,000 virtual trek to Arizona

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here.

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