Auchinleck Talbot 2008s are through to the final round of the West FM Cash for Kids Sports Challenge – an exciting competition which aims to raise as much money for the charity as possible.

So far the young players have climbed the Cairn Table, gained individual player sponsorship from local businesses and are now running a bonus raffle with over 30 prizes, the star prize being a Dinner Bed and Breakfast at Dumfries Arms Hotel in Cumnock.

The team themselves are also in with a chance of winning a major cash prize if they raise more than their five other competitors, which is looking likely as they are currently sitting at well over £2,000.

Coach Eoin Waite said: “The Cairn Table climb two weekends ago was good fun but the weather was mawkit. The rain was really heavy and there were big puddles everywhere but the boys enjoyed themselves and it was a good laugh.

“There are 17 players so 15 are sponsored by local businesses as well as the coach.

“We managed to get a lot of businesses to give us a prize, too, with the biggest prize coming from Senga Campbell at Dumfries Arms. They’ve really backed us.”

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Talbot 2008s will also benefit from the funds they raise as the final amount will be put back into the club, meaning a win-win for both charity and team.

Eoin continued: “We’re raising the money but we’re getting it back so that’ll go towards buying stuff for the new season like nets and if we win a decent amount, we’ll give the boys a wee day out. They’ve trained hard and have been brilliant.

“We’re going to do the Cash for Kids fundraiser alongside our Player of the Year dance next year as well to give something back and promote them. Even if we win nothing, we get the sponsor money back, so it all works out.”

Nicole Stewart, whose son, team goalie Michael Mullen, 11, braved the Cairn climb, has hailed the club’s fundraising efforts.

Nicole said: “The boys enjoyed the climb, although more when they got to the bottom.

“They put 100 per cent into it and it was good to see them encouraging each other. Michael has been sponsored by Mullen Decorators and Miss Aesthetics.

“We’re trying to keep the businesses as local as we can during this difficult time.

“We’re so glad to be in the final six as it’s an opportunity to help the boys get their grant and do our bit for Cash for Kids.

“The boys feel important at being able to help others.”

The winner will be announced on Friday, October 2. To donate, contact eoinwaite@hotmail.com