A GROUP of young footballers are off to Dublin for the British championships thanks to an ‘incredible’ community fund-raising effort.

The under-14 team from Chepstow School became the first from south-east Wales in a generation to become Welsh FA champions.

The trip to Ireland has added poignancy as it will honour the memory of Harrison Marshall who was killed in a car crash in September 2013, just days into his first year at high school.

The 16-strong squad, who are due to travel to Ireland tomorrow (Thursday), will have Marshall’s name on their shirts.

They will compete against the champions of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Eire in this weekend’s tournament for the title of Great Britain champions.

Chepstow took the Welsh title with a goal in the last minute of the final against Llandudno’s Sir John Bright School to give them a 2-1 victory.

Coach Jamie Goddard said the community had rallied around to raise the £8,000 they needed in just three weeks.

Mr Goddard, who has been the team since the boys arrived at the school, said: “It has been an incredible community fund-raising effort.”

The Mayor of Chepstow, Cllr Dale Rooke, presented some of the team with a cheque for £1,000 at the school on Friday.

He said: “I’ve been very careful with the mayoral allowance which means I’ve been able to give £1,000 to the school and another £1,000 to SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association), which is my charity for the year.

“It’s fantastic for the town that the school has won the Welsh title and I’m pleased the team will honour Harrison as he was a pupil at Thornwell (Primary School) and I’m a Thornwell councillor.”

Among the other sponsors are Mark Gardiner, one of the class of 1999, who saw a fund-raising appeal.

He said: “As an ex-captain of the school football team, I’m very keen to help the boys get to Dublin and wish them all the best in the competition.”

Around £1,000 was raised by an raffle during a concert by band Classic Soul Dogs at the school last Thursday (May 12).

Mr Goddard added: “The boys have played exceptionally well, and show great team spirit.

“They never gave up, and their focus, determination and hard work are an absolute credit to them.

“Representing Wales in the GB final is such a great achievement.”

Headteacher Claire Price said: “I am so proud of the boys’ achievements. Chepstow School is a community school, and the way that the community have got behind our students is overwhelming.

“The fact that the team will play in Harrison’s memory is particularly humbling – they illustrate our values of respect and kindness for the Chepstow School family.”