Desy Jennings Football Festival present £5K to Chest Heart and Stroke

Continuing their tradition of giving something back, the organisers of the hugely successful Desy Jennings Football Festival have presented a cheque for £5,000 to Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke.

The donation was made possible through the incredible generosity of players, families, volunteers, local businesses and supporters who attended this year's four-day festival at Jennings Park in Newry, which saw over 1,200 young footballers compete from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

The Desy Jennings Football Festival is about much more than football, rather it is a celebration of community, remembrance, volunteering and giving young people the opportunity to create lasting memories while making a positive difference.

Speaking after the presentation festival organiser Marty Jennings said: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this year's festival. From the teams who travelled from near and far, to our volunteers, sponsors, families and everyone who donated so generously, this achievement belongs to all of you.

"Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke carries out vital work supporting people and families every day, and we're delighted that our football community has been able to make a meaningful contribution. The generosity shown throughout the festival was truly inspiring."

Now in its fourth year, the Desy Jennings Football Festival has become one of the region's premier grassroots football events, bringing together young players aged 6 to 12 in a celebration of sport, friendship and community spirit.

The festival was created not only to provide children with an unforgettable football experience but also to honour the memories of loved ones through a series of memorial cups while giving something back to the local community.

Representatives from Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke thanked the organisers and everyone involved for their continued support, noting that fundraising initiatives like the Desy Jennings Football Festival help the charity continue providing essential care, support services and life-saving research across Northern Ireland.

With another successful year complete, planning has already begun for the 2027 festival,  which organisers hope will be even bigger and continue building on its reputation as one of the area's standout grassroots sporting events.