CROWDS gathered to support players from Gentry FC and Unathletico Madrid when they went head-to-head in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.

Teams kicked-off on December 23, but as Farnham Memorial Ground was waterlogged, Weydon School opened its doors and lent their facilities free of charge.

The majority of players attended Weydon School and were “excited to see how much it had grown since leaving”, according to one of the players, Charles Impey.

Homemade treats were sold pitch side and the barbecue was in full swing serving bacon butties.

The local Starbucks branch also provided tea and coffee for the third year running.

Playing on a 4G pitch instead of a muddy ground meant that the standard of football was “instantly greater than all previous years put together”, Charles said.

Teams played infront of a 60 to 80 strong crowd made up of teachers, parents, friends, children and the odd neighbour.

But it was Gentry FC who commanded play and comfortably won the match 2-0, with goals from Dean Leander and Elliot Tricker.

Andy Rider took ‘man of the match’ for his clean sheet and commanding role as captain.

Both teams and fans continued the celebrations throughout the day.

Charles would like to “thank Weydon School, Starbucks, The Mulberry and The Queens head who support us every year”.

“We would like to also say that we would like to keep on growing the event and invite local businesses and Weydon alumni to support us next year,” he added.

The eighth annual match raised a whopping £2,528.15 for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, smashing their target of £1,800.

Players have set themselves a target of raising £10,000 by the tenth Christmas football match in 2020.