Founder completes 100,000-step challenge for youth football club

The founder of Warminster Youth FC has completed a 100,000-step challenge in a single day to raise money for the club.

Ben Deacon, the founder and lead coach, set off at 3.30am on Sunday 26th October, walking for around 15 hours and 45 minutes and covering 74.1km.

“I was thinking of ways we could fundraise for the club,” said Ben. “I thought more people could get involved if it was a walk, but knew if it was a walk, it needed to be a substantial distance.”

While Ben completed the full challenge alone, friends, family, coaches, players and parents joined at various points. “We broke it up into sections. About 20 families joined for one section at the park,” he said.

The route took him across Warminster and surrounding areas, including Upton Scudamore, Thoulstone, Longleat, Sutton Veny, Heytesbury and over the army range. The final 10,000 steps were done around Warminster town centre, finishing at a pub before last orders.

“It was great to see so many people supporting the club and the cause,” said Ben. “I went to parts of Warminster I’d never walked before. Apart from the last 10,000 steps, which were a real drag, I enjoyed every minute.”

Ben’s fundraising goal was initially £500, which was reached within 12 hours. He then raised the target to £1,000, and by the end of the walk had raised over £2,000. The money will help cover running costs including insurance, coaching qualifications, pitches, facilities, kit and equipment.

“We’re a new club; we’ve only been going about a year. There are many costs you don’t realise until you start,” he said. “It’s a real boost to have that money to invest in the club and make sure training and experience for all players and families is as good as it can be.”