Lydiard Youth FC is a local grassroots, not for profit, youth football club providing football opportunities for children aged between 6 and 17.

Following the postponement of all fixtures and training from 18th March until further notice, we'd like to raise monies to support and gift the frontline NHS staff at The Great Western Hospital in Swindon. There are three coronavirus wards at the hospital and hundreds of nurses, doctors, admin (of which we all know of someone working there in this community) who are working tirelessly to protect all of us.

They are being affectionately called COVID warriors.

Some of the staff at the hospital have asked for no one to risk bringing in gifts and parcels but we do know that they would appreciate a coffee machine or at least, coffee to be supplied to help them get through the hard days they are facing.

With over 255 young people and players, along with their extended family networks, we'd like to support such an initiative; after all, all football clubs and players will know of teammates and opposition who have been looked after by A&E when we sadly encounter injuries, doing what we love.

So if players, parents, any local grassroots football club, the NWYFL and the Wiltshire FA could help share this fundraising initiative or contribute a small amount, we could use the power of youth football to support those in need at our local hospital and within our community.

The Lydiard Youth FC committee