FOOTBALLERS have joined together to raise £2,857 for a children’s hospice.

The Chestnut Tree House Official FC v Brighton & Hove Albion Legends football match took place at Whitehawk Football Club.

The game involved a team of ex- Brighton players, including Guy Butters, Paul Rogers, Kerry Mayo, Gary Hart, Adam Hinshelwood, Paul Watson, Richard Carpenter and Ian Chapman.

Kerry Mayo is a key player in the charity matche, which are arranged by Jamie Westley to raise funds and awareness for Chestnut Tree House.

Mayo has played more than 400 games for Brighton & Hove Albion, becoming one of their longest-serving players.

He said: “Charity games are good to increase awareness of the charity as well as raising money.

“A lot of people don’t really know what they’re playing for until they get here, so it’s good when you start talking to the staff and find out what the charity is all about.”

The match, which ended in an 11-0 victory for Brighton and Hove Albion Legends, was attended by hundreds of people who were then able to meet and take photos with the players.

The crowd were entertained by a half-time display from Elite Cheerleading and a Minion and Frozen’s Elsa from Twilight Sussex Mascots also attended the event.

Despite the 11-0 result on the pitch, it was a successful event for Chestnut Tree House.

Terrina Barnes, corporate fundraising manager, said: “It was an absolutely amazing day with so many people and ex-players coming out to support us.

“The football matches are doing so much to raise funds and increase awareness of the charity to a whole new group of people, which is great for Chestnut Tree House.

“I would like to thank all of the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion players for giving up their time.”