The morning began wrapped in a thick autumn mist, but it did nothing to dampen spirits! Players gathered for a warm welcome from ESY Patron Simon Bland and Senior PGA Golf Professional Lee Andrews, followed by an energetic pre-golf stretching session. The eight teams teed off into the mist and the competition was underway.
The glorious sunshine soon emerged and made for a spectacular day. Throughout the 18-hole competition, golfers boosted the fundraising total by purchasing "mulligans" and buying tickets for a raffle featuring four premium prizes.
After completing their rounds, participants gathered in the clubhouse for a curry lunch followed by an awards ceremony celebrating the overall tournament champions alongside individual winners for Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin.
The feedback from those taking part highlighted the welcoming, community-focused feel of the day:
"The best bit about the day was the golf, the weather, the company and most of all supporting an amazing charity!"
"Great cause, good attendance and not overpriced, enabling more contributions in other ways. All round a good, fun day."
"Well organised, informal, with a great atmosphere. Chatting to the ESY team and the other attendees created a fantastic vibe before and after the golf."
ESY provides essential support pathways for young people aged 10 – 18. The organisation runs weekly youth sessions, school holiday programmes, creative workshops, digital wellbeing initiatives and a dedicated Youth Forum where local young people discuss key topics and help shape services. ESY also delivers targeted support for young carers, mentoring, mental health support and youth work experience.
All the money raised from the event will go directly toward keeping these provisions free and accessible to all.
CEO Karen Jefford said ‘We are so grateful to everyone who played and everyone who supported us. Raising £1,477 in such an informal, welcoming environment allows us to keep providing safe, supportive spaces for young people in our local community."
Electric Storm Youth extends its sincere thanks to all players, sponsors and supporters who contributed to making the day such a resounding success.
