A GROUP of Ennis women are certainly on the ball when it comes to pitching in to raise funds for a local charity.

Soccer Sisters Ennis, a newly established social soccer team based in the county capital, recently set out on a fundraising climb in aid of Clare Haven Services.

Last weekend they took on the challenge of climbing the 12 O’Clock Hills in an event dubbed the ‘Hike for Haven’. So far they have raised over €2,600 for the local charity, with more donations still being accepted. Laura Thompson of Soccer Sisters tells us they have been “blown away” by the level of support they have received in raising funds for Clare Haven.

“We see ourselves as very much a community team and we decided that we wanted to do something to mark international women’s day so we thought about helping to raise funds for an organisation that supports local women.

“We were so excited to get on board with Clare Haven Services Ennis who provide vital women’s refuge services locally. As a women’s team we wanted to help them out, local women supporting local women.

“We set up a GoFundMe page and put the word out on our social media about the hike on April 24 and about 20 of us set off at 9am. We thought if we collected €1,000 it would be amazing.

“We are just delighted that so many people have been so generous, I just can’t believe the level of support we received, we are all just blown away. It really just gives a nice fuzzy feeling, it’s really just phenomenal.”

She said that during the hike up the hill the team all worked together to ensure everyone reached the top.

“We all stuck together and encouraged each other going along, it was new for some and others had done it before. The day was just beautiful, the weather was fabulous. It was a real team effort to success on the day.”

The team set up last summer and there are now plans to hold another fundraiser for another local organisation to mark their one year anniversary later this year.

“The club has been going from strength to strength since it was set up, we have such a great bunch of ladies, we see ourselves as very inclusive and a diverse group and we always welcome newcomers.

“We train twice a week for fun, fitness, skills and drills. It is a real social team and we are all about the community. The craic and banter means as much to us as the training, and it’s fantastic for your mental health being part of a team. Many of us haven’t played for years and we are coming back to soccer, and it’s a lovely feeling having a ball at your foot.”

Donations are still being accepted at https://www.gofundme.com/f/soccer-sisters-ennis-hike-for-haven.

For more details on Clare Haven check https://www.clarehaven.ie