Charity Football Match Raises Over £8,000
For the third successive year, the Fantasy Football Community has come together to raise money for Street Child United with the return of GW39. This remarkable effort has seen popular FPL (Fantasy Premier League) content creators form Team North and Team South, comprised of well-known FPL X accounts. After one win each in the past two years, this year’s event, dubbed “the decider,” was hosted at The Hawthorns, the historic home of West Bromwich Albion.
A thunderous start
The first 25 minutes was all team North as they took a comfortable 2-0 lead before play was stopped due to a passing storm. The Hawthorns lit up with flashes of lightening which added to the atmosphere. When play resumed the North extended their lead to 3-0 but the South weren’t over and out yet; with 20 minutes to go they sunk one beautifully into the net to make it 3-1. The North replied with another to make it 4-1 with just 15 minutes left on the clock. South scored a screamer from a corner minutes later and at 4-2 had a chance again from a corner to make it 4-3 but they skied it over from 6 yards!!
The real winner
The charitable initiative has now raised over £20,000 in total, with this year alone seeing donations from over 175 generous supporters.
The content creators involved have utilised their active social media channels, collectively boasting over 3 million subscribers and followers, to raise awareness and support for Street Child United and help transform the lives of street-connected children worldwide through the power of football.
Gianni Butticè, a key player and organiser of the event, expressed his gratitude, saying:
“It’s an unbelievable effort to see so many FPL fans donate to this great cause. Football has a special way of uniting us for the greater good, and GW39 time and again proves this.”
More than a game
GW39 is more than just a football match; it’s a celebration of community spirit and the positive impact of football. Participants and fans alike were united by their shared love of the sport and their commitment to supporting vulnerable children. This annual event has grown not only in its fundraising achievements but also in its ability to inspire and engage the broader community. The Fantasy Football Community’s annual charity match has become a beacon of solidarity, demonstrating the powerful role that football and social media can play in driving positive change.
Thank you to everyone who took part, supported the players and donated. For anyone wanting to relive the magic, you can watch the full game here
