Young Strabane footballers to embark on epic charity challenge

TWO young Strabane Sigersons players will embark on an epic challenge this weekend when they will score one point each at the 51 GAA pitches across Tyrone, all in one day.

Megan Skeffington and Tori Crawford, both aged 11 and who play for the Sigersons U12 team, will begin their 'Kicking for Autism' challenge at 6am on Saturday before finishing no doubt to a rousing reception at their home club around 7pm that evening.

All funds raised will go to Autism NI, a charity that has helped Tori's family after her little brother Dáire was diagnosed with the condition.

The mammoth task will see the talented footballers travel the length and breadth of the Red Hand county taking in 47 football clubs, three hurling clubs and Garvaghy’s Tyrone GAA Training Centre.

In all, they will score 102 points.

Megan's dad, Martin, said the girls are looking forward to the completing the challenge and raising some much-needed funds for charity

"Damien and I both coach the girls' U12 team at Sigerson and at the start of the year he had said to me about doing something to raise money for the autism charity," he explained.

"Eventually he came up with this idea of going around each pitch in Tyrone and kicking a point, and it was then that we got the girls involved.

"They just love playing their football and to be getting around every pitch kicking points is a dream scenario for them.

"As far as we know, no-one has tried anything like this before so it's a unique challenge.

"We're all so proud of the two girls. They are definitely excited about it and looking forward to it, but I'm sure they'll be very tired at the end."

He added: "We've been planning it since February/March now and the challenge will take in all 51 pitches, starting at Owen Roes at 6am and then finishing at Strabane around 7pm.

"We done a trial run a few weeks ago just to make sure we had all the timings correct so hopefully the weather plays ball now.

"We've had a lot of support from all the clubs and the community, which has been fantastic, and we're really grateful for that.

"The ultimate aim is to raise as much awareness about autism and Autism NI as we can, with the money raised a bonus."

Tori's proud dad, Damien added: "Tori’s younger brother is autistic. As a family, we know how much there is to learn about autism and how important it is to feel supported.

"That’s why we want to raise awareness.

"We want everyone affected by autism to feel supported by their club and county."

Messages of goodwill have poured in for the girls since news of their challenge with some of the GAA's biggest names lending their support, including the Tyrone senior men's and ladies teams.

Among those wishing Megan and Tori well was Tyrone legend, Peter Canavan, who said he was delighted to be lending his support to the very worthy cause.

"A brilliant challenge and they're raising money for a great cause... Let's get behind the girls and give them all the support they deserve," he said in a video message.

Irish international soccer player and former Donegal Ladies footballer, Amber Barrett, was also among the well-wishers.

"It's such a brilliant cause that you're fighting for and I wish you all success with it. Take care and enjoy the experience," she told the girls.

To date, a Justgiving page set-up to support the girls had raised £3,170 at the time of going to press yesterday (Tuesday).

Thanks has been expressed to everyone has donated and supported the girls to date.

To donate, log onto Justgiving and search: Damien's fundraiser for Autism NI (PAPA)

For further details, also visit the ‘Kicking for Autism’ Facebook page.