THE coach of a girls’ football team in Barnsley has flown out to Spain to compete in a ten-kilometre run in Benidorm in the hope of raising money for equipment.

Steve Hepworth, 40, originally from Bolton-upon-Dearne but now living in Wath, will take part in the event tomorrow.

He flew out to Spain with his partner Kimberley Wilson yesterday morning - and they’ll both be raising money for their own girls’ football teams.

Steve is the manager of the under-11 girls’ team at Dearne and District - and any money raised will go towards funding equipment for the players over the upcoming season.

He told the Chronicle: “I’ve done things like this in the past but it’s a long time ago.

“Fundraising is really hard for local football clubs so you end up drawing on parents.

“We need to do a lot more to try and raise money.

“My partner’s father is going out to Benidorm to run the half marathon like he does every year.

“We’ll be running the 10k.

“We’ve raised £350 so far and we’ve set a target of £500 - it’s overwhelming.

“I work in Barnsley and a lot of my work colleagues have donated.

“I’ve been coaching my daughter’s team for three years and my partner is doing it for her team.”

To donate to the fundraiser, follow the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raising-funds-for-dearne-girls-under-11s?attribution—id=sl:dd8e806a-ccc4-4772-844e-fbeeab362a9f&member=37708437&sharetype=teams&utm—campaign=natman—sharesheet—dash&utm—content=natman—amp1c&utm—medium=customer&utm—source=copy—link