Footy fans are being invited to join a fundraising relay to boost Coalville Town's coffers and commemorate the ninth anniversary of the club's Wembley appearance.

The Ravens' fundraiser is being organised by youth team secretary Wayne McDermott who is keen to keep players united and engaged during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Wayne told Coalville Nub News: "Maintaining affordable football for Coalville's youngsters and enabling the club to develop is a financial challenge at the best of times and even more so currently.

"The uncertainty of when playing will resume means that youngsters disconnecting is the biggest risk to grassroots sport.

"I hope the fundraiser will help keep our younger members engaged and also gain the backing of the local community.

"Anyone who wants to support the club can get involved.

"The sponsored relay marks the ninth anniversary of the day our little old club went to Wembley for a cup final.

"We played in what many people recall as the best FA Vase Final on 8 May, 2011 against Whitley Bay.

"The best-ever final or not, one thing we all agree on was that it was one heck of a game of football.

"Sadly we didn't win but we made friends and made our town proud - and that's what we do."

Wayne has worked out the distance from the club's Owen Street Mander Cruickshank Stadium to Wembley at 103 miles and converted the distance to a walking time of 34 hours.

"If we get 68 individuals or households, each raising a realistic £30 each in sponsorship, we will hit our £2,000 target with ease.

"To keep to the social distancing guidelines only one person or household will walk - or run if they wish - around the pitch for half an hour at a time.

"It would be fantastic if the community can come together to support our efforts and Coalville Town Football Club so we can continue to offer football for all."

The relay is being held this Friday and Saturday (8 and 9 May) - the weekend closest to the club's Wembley final - from 5.30am until 10.30pm on both days.

Wayne's 16-year-old daughter Neve is organising the relay schedule.

"It's a tough time for her as she is not only the manager of Coalville's Under 8s Girls, but is in the last year of academy football at Derby County Girls' Regional Talent Club and will be missing her GCSEs," he said.

"Being involved is helping her to stay connected to football and the club," added Wayne.

Wayne has set up an online fundraising page Coalville Town to Wembley relay walk where The Ravens fans - not just sponsored walkers - can donate.

Anyone who would like to join the relay walking team can contact Wayne on 07876 140248 or email him at [email protected]. 

Taking part in the walk so far are: Adam Stevens (1st Team Manager) Richard Portsmouth & Sons (U10 Rooks), Charlotte Cooper (U9 Ravenettes), Neve McDermott (U8 Ravenettes), Freya Kennison (U14 Ravenettes), David Mott (U11 Ravens), Stu Birley (U9 Ravenettes), Wells Girls (U9/U13/U15 Ravenettes), Craig Smith and children (U9 Ravens), Lisa and Lauren Hatter (U13 Ravenettes), Brandon Fletcher (U12 Ravens), Stu and Isaac (U13 Ravens), Ella Bird (U16 Ravenettes), Garrett sisters (U13 Rookettes), Jessica and Lilly (U8/10 Rookettes), Leo and Elsie Fielding (U9/Wildcats), Staleys (U13 Rookettes), Beth and Mark Hughes (U13 Rookettes), Mel Sahin (U16 Ravenettes), Amanda and twins (U15 Ravenettes), The Moore family (U14/15 Ravenettes), Lewis West (U11 Ravens), Tom and Zach Smalley (U15 Rooks), Maddie Hilham and family (U16 Ravenettes).