Charity Football Match Raises More Than £700 For Friends Of The Animals

More than £700 has been raised for Friends of the Animals following a charity football match between Red Funnel and Island Roads.

Around 100 spectators attended the game at East Cowes Victoria Athletic Football Club on Sunday 13th September, which Red Funnel won 4-3.

Joe Butcher scored a hat-trick for Red Funnel, with captain Tareck Ahmed adding the team's fourth goal. Goalkeeper Ash Rose was named Man of the Match.

Fundraising activities alongside the match included a raffle and Fun Dog Show, with a signed shirt from former Southampton player Rickie Lambert raising almost £200.

Friends of the Animals is the 2026 Charity of the Year for both Red Funnel and Island Roads.

The charity says money raised will help support animals across the Isle of Wight, including through veterinary treatment and preventative care, as well as helping owners struggling with the cost of looking after their pets.