Footballers get into the World Cup spirit and raise £10,000!

Scotland have won the World Cup!

Yes you read that right - although this one wasn’t held in Brazil, but bathed in sunshine down at Horsham Rugby Club on Sunday.

Still the Samba Spirit was in full flow as footballers came together to stage their own 6-a-side version of the main event, which kicks off on Thursday.

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The event was held in memory of James Neal, a father of three from Horsham man who died of a rare form of cancer last June, and the day raised a phenomenal £10,000 for charity - with wife Joanna calling it a “prefect tribute to a wonderful man”.

World Cup tournament held in memory of Horsham man James Neal, who died of a rare form of cancer, raised £10,000 for charityWorld Cup tournament held in memory of Horsham man James Neal, who died of a rare form of cancer, raised £10,000 for charity
World Cup tournament held in memory of Horsham man James Neal, who died of a rare form of cancer, raised £10,000 for charity

In total 24 teams entered, including a German team all the way from Germany and a Chile team made up of Holbrook School teachers, with all the teams sponsored by local businesses.

Two teams who haven’t qualified for the main event in Rio entered - New Zealand and a Scotland side made up of the Goodsir boys and managed by Scott Goodsir, close friends of the Neal family.

The World Cup final saw a Scotland team sponsored by Bruin Financial win a close match 1-0 against Colombia, while Greece (sponsored by Durrant Removals) won the second place play-off against Croatia to lift the James Neal Memorial Trophy.

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A host of other activities took place on the day including face painting and glitter tattoos from Jelly and Ice Cream Parties and cupcakes from the Sassy Tastery Bakery.

Joanna Neal said: “The day culminated in the release of 250 red and black balloons to represent the Manu Utd colours as James was an avid fan, in a race to win the cash prize of £100 for the furthest travelling balloon. “It was an emotional moment when our three children Olivia, Jayden and Zak released the balloons to the music of 99 red balloons. We have already had one back that was found in Greenwich, East London!

“We raised over £10,000 for the Net Patient Foundation, which was absolutely staggering and more than we could have anticipated, through a combination of hard work by the eight committee members, an army of volunteers and incredible support from friends, family and local businesses helping such a worthy cause.

“We are all very proud and feel that the day was a perfect tribute to a wonderful man.”

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