Families raise £2,018 for Fleur de Lys Football Club at Drayton Picnic in the Park

Families flocked to a Drayton community event to celebrate a new play park, raising over £2,000 to support young footballers in the process.

A community event celebrating the opening of a new play park in Drayton has raised £2,018 for Fleur de Lys Football Club.

The Drayton and Farlington Picnic in the Park, organised by councillors Spencer Gardner, Simon Bosher and Hannah Brent, was held at Drayton Park in August.

The event brought together families, residents, volunteers and local businesses, raising £2,018 for Fleur de Lys FC.

The total included £1,180 from a grand raffle and a further £838 raised by the food team, organised by Holly Tod and the club’s Under-12 girls’ team, the Bluebells.

Cllr Spencer Gardner said: “It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate the opening of the new play park and support such a fantastic local organisation.

“Fleur de Lys FC plays an important role in our community, providing opportunities for young people to develop their skills, confidence and teamwork. The £2,018 raised will make a real difference to the club.”

The money will support the club’s activities, including new kits, training equipment and other resources for players.

The cheque was presented to Fleur de Lys FC at its home ground, with organisers thanking those who helped make the fundraiser a success.

Local businesses including Richmond Motor Group, Victorious Festival, Comserv and Harwin donated raffle prizes.

Councillor Gardner added: “This was a brilliant example of community spirit in action. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, donated prizes or supported the event in any way. Together, we’ve raised an incredible amount of money for a club that does so much for local young people.”

The football club was the centre of another fundraising campaign after the team’s clubhouse was vandalised, amounting to around £1000 in damage.