Leeds United first-team players took part in the inaugural Leeds United Foundation Golf Day on Sunday morning, helping to raise vital funds to support the important work of the charity.
Captain Liam Cooper was joined by Adam Forshaw, Luke Ayling and Mateusz Klich along with former player Tony Dorigo and a strong contingent of Leeds United supporters at Wetherby Golf Club as they took on one of the finest golf courses in Yorkshire.
Teeing off at 8.30am, the players hit the fairway taking time out of their busy pre-season schedule to support the club’s official charity and meet with fans who had made generous donations to play alongside them.
Following the 18-holes an exclusive BBQ was held followed by an auction with various signed Leeds United memorabilia up for grabs.
A massive thank you to everyone involved in the Golf Day, including supporters, staff and volunteers - over £20,000 was raised through the event which will enable the Leeds United Foundation to continue delivering the crucial work they carry out to those most vulnerable in our local community.
The Foundation run over 20 programmes throughout the city, including educational initiatives with youngsters, programmes for those with disabilities, mental health and wellbeing projects for adults and young people, various football and participation programmes to help with development and support sessions for those in the most underprivileged areas of Leeds.
The vital funds raised will ensure they continue to deliver both social and economic value for local communities, with staff currently reaching over 20,000 people every year.
Leeds United defender and Scotland international, Liam Cooper, spoke to LUTV during the Golf Day and said: "It's been fantastic being here today, after over a year away from the fans to be able to meet some of them today and spend some time with them was fantastic and all for a fantastic cause.
"The work the Leeds United Foundation do is so important, they help people across the city and the players are always more than willing to get involved and if we can help raise awareness around the crucial work they do then that's great."
John Mallalieu, CEO at the Leeds United Foundation, added: “Today has been a brilliant occasion to see so many people enjoying themselves, especially given what we have all been through over the past year.
"To see the event come together has been fantastic and the money that has been raised will now go towards our Summer Soccer Camps programme - allowing thousands of young people throughout Leeds to attend football sessions throughout the school holidays, free of charge.
"The Leeds United Foundation prides itself on supporting those who are most vulnerable and live in the most underprivileged areas, creating opportunities to ensure as many people as possible are able to take part in activities whilst also improving and developing their skills."
For more information on the fundraising activities taking place throughout the upcoming season, please contact [email protected].
