Huddersfield Town

 

The event, organised in partnership with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, was held at Huddersfield Parish Church for the first time.

All money raised from the event through admission and donations will go to the ‘Keep It Up’ campaign, the innovative fundraising scheme that generates cash for the YAA and the Club’s Academy – which is fast approaching the £1 million mark.

 

With Town’s entire First Team staff, squad, Academy staff and scholars watching on, the night started with a welcome from Revd Canon Simon Moor before all attendees sang the first carols of the evening. 

Silcoates School Choir then took centre stage, with its pupils putting on three superb performances in front of the gathered masses. 

Town’s Under-18 Captain Joe Wilkinson and First Team Academy graduate Jonathan Stead performed readings before school partner Royds Hall High School performed a moving tribute to the late, great Nelson Mandela – singing the South African national anthem after learning the song just 24 hours earlier. 

After a reading from Yorkshire Air Ambulance volunteer Colin Frost, the YAA’s Director of Fundraising Paul Gowland closed proceedings by thanking all attendees for their fundraising efforts for the charity. 

 

Town's Supporter Partnerships Manager Robyn Deegan commented: 

“I would like to thank everyone that attended the ‘Keep It Up’ Christmas Celebration last night; it was fantastic to see so many supporters backing the event for the fifth successive season. 

“The performances from both our school partners – Silcoates and Royds Hall – were superb and really got everyone in the festive spirit.

“Once again the event has raised invaluable funds for the Academy and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. As the YAA’s Director of Fundraising Paul Gowland said at the event, it costs the charity almost £10,000 a day to keep its two life-saving helicopters in the air and by supporting events such as this, Huddersfield Town fans are playing their part in making this happen.”