BOURNEMOUTH Sports have raised over £650 in donations in aid of Ukrainian refugees, thanks to a charity match hosted at Chapel Gate.

Thanks to gate receipts and online donations, the match between a Sports XI and a ‘Best of Dorset’ XI raised money to support the Hotel Zajazd Pod Wierzba in the town of Świdnica in south-western Poland, which is providing accommodation, food and support to Ukrainian families, mainly mothers and children, who are fleeing the war.

The hotel is run by family of Pawel Kowalski, head goalkeeping coach at Sports. Donations will contribute to the longer-term costs of caring for the 65 refugees currently at the hotel.

Kowalski commented: "Today’s charity match is not only to help Ukraine, but above all to show unity and solidarity."

The guest players who gave up their time to participate were a mix of young and experienced players representing clubs from the Dorset Premier League and Wessex League.

The Guest XI was captained by Chris Speers, and managed by Sports' Danny Blakeley and Stuart Ross.

The home team was led by Billy Wheatley and managed by David Gunter, assisted by Craig Warren.

The game itself ended 4-2 in favour of the ‘best of the rest’.

Further donations can be made online at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/7c0bcd59ba2921dbe051d2aee43e4c92