Carlisle United’s Ladies team have received a boost to their season with a pair of signed match-worn boots, donated by Jamie Devitt, raising £150 as part of a fundraising silent auction.
The popular midfielder has been a big supporter of United’s Ladies in his time at Brunton Park and formalised his backing earlier this season by taking on the Women and Girl's football portfolio as part of the first team squad’s new ambassador scheme.
The boots, which have been match worn and were signed by Jamie, were made available for United fans to bid on in a silent auction run across United Ladies’ social media over Christmas, and were won by local businessman Dale Wilson.
The boots were presented to Dale, who owns TC Scaffolding Ltd, by Jamie on the pitch at Brunton Park prior to a recent home game.
Speaking about the importance of supporting United’s Ladies side, Jamie said: “I've seen the hard work Tracy does for the team, and I've also seen how much effort the players put in to training and games.
"I was delighted when I was asked to be an ambassador for the team and hopefully things like this will help to raise the profile of what is a dedicated group of people.
"Thank you to everybody who took part in the silent auction and I was pleased to be able to hand the boots to the winners in person at the Mansfield home game."
The Lady Cumbrians are enjoying an excellent season so far having won nine of their eleven league games played, placing them second in the North West Women’s Regional League Division One North table.
The funds raised through the silent auction will go towards the team’s expenses this season which sees them once again competing across the north west.
United Ladies Manager, Tracy Gannon, said: “We’re all really grateful to Jamie for his donation of the boots and for his continued fantastic support of the Ladies team.
"Thank you also to all those who took part in the silent auction and to Dale for his winning bid. The support of the Carlisle United community is always nothing short of amazing and is helping us enjoy what has so far been another successful season.
"Competing at Regional League level means we need to keep up our fundraising efforts and we’re looking at running another silent auction very soon, so if you missed out on Jamie’s boots then do keep your eyes peeled for another money can’t buy opportunity!”
United Ladies games are free to watch and all blues fans are welcome to attend.
Matches take place on Sunday afternoons with home games played at Creighton Rugby Club, CA1 3SR.
For up to date fixture information and all the latest news from the Lady Cumbrians don’t forget to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @CUFCLadies