Gloves were off and shooting boots were on as goalkeepers and strikers went head-to-head in a pioneering walking football fundraiser that organisers say has made history.
The first ever Goalkeepers v Strikers event in women’s walking football saw teams from across the south-west compete in a series of fast-paced challenges, while raising money to support a well-known Exeter football figure living with motor neurone disease.
The event was hosted by Gillian Burgess of GK316 Goalkeeper Academy in conjunction with Exeter City Women’s Walking Football and was held in Exeter.
It supported Team Evo v MND and Pete Eveleigh, who has spent many years supporting and promoting youth football in the city, particularly inclusion football and providing opportunities for all.
Pete continues his fight against MND and is raising awareness through his project MIND over MND.
Five goalkeeper teams went head-to-head with five striker teams in a variety of formats, including penalties and one-on-one contests. Striker teams rotated throughout the evening, meeting a new goalkeeper team in each round.
Scorers recorded saves and goals, paying close attention during powerplay rounds.
At the end of the event, organisers crowned a top goalkeeping team and a top striker team.
Individual awards were also presented. Sheena Watts was named striker of the event, while Maxine Coupe was awarded goalkeeper of the event.
Additional goalkeeper awards went to Suzy Blyth in the over-35 category, Emma Prestwich in the over-50 category and Bev Davey in the over-60 category.
Striker Team One scored 129 goals during the competition, while Goalkeeper Team A made 277 saves.
A total of £842 was raised.
In a statement issued after the event, organisers said: “A truly remarkable and successful event – raising the profile of women’s walking football and especially goalkeepers.
“A huge thank you to everyone that supported this event for such a deserving cause.
“We hope we have made a difference even if it is just a small difference for Pete and his family as they continue their journey together.”
