Keep up to date with Fundraising at Mary Hare
If you are interested in future projects at Mary Hare School, you can keep in touch with our Fundraising Newsletter where you can read the latest fundraising news at the school.
We are delighted to offer a fantastic prize, generously donated by Manchester City Football Club, in support of two Mary Hare players who have been selected to represent Great Britain at the U23 Deaf Football World Championships in Serbia this summer.
Our students are ambitious and are always on the lookout for the next opportunity to further their interests and opportunities. As a result, they are also incredibly successful and we are always so proud of the determination our students have to achieve their goals and dreams.
Mark Dixon, who is Head of HR at Mary Hare School, noticed how many of our current pupils and alumni were fundraising to take part in the GB Under 23 Deaf Football World Championships, and expressed deep passion for their cause:
"When our Principal recently shared a communication to our staff regarding current and ex pupils of Mary Hare who were having to fundraise themselves to be able to attend the upcoming Under 23's Deaf Football World Championships in Serbia this Spring on behalf of their country, it really got me thinking about why, in our national sport so awash with funding, are there footballers with a disability who are representing their country but are having to fundraise privately for their travel, accommodation and equipment, and was there anything I could do to help.
As a lifelong fan of Manchester City I was aware that the club undertake many great local community initiatives, and whilst Newbury is along way from Manchester I wondered if they would consider providing a charitable donation and help the young adults participating in this upcoming Deaf Football Word Championship. So I took the initiative to write to the club and ask for their help. I told them about Mary Hare, how special it is here, and asked if they could provide any support for those going to Serbia.
Amazingly a few days later they responded, explaining that whilst the Club receives hundreds of requests each week and we endeavour to help as many good causes as possible, and that they would be delighted to support the fundraising by offering a family tour voucher of the Etihad stadium as well a ticket voucher for two tickets to one of their upcoming home matches to use in our fundraising; and to let them know how we got on!
Needless to say I was thrilled. I hope that the tickets can help to raise some funds for those looking to make it to Serbia in May. "
Roman, an Alumnus of Mary Hare, who is one of the young people who has been fundraising, shares:
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to wear the GB badge, play against the best deaf players in the world, and show what deaf athletes can achieve with passion, determination, and teamwork. But unlike mainstream teams, we don’t receive full funding, which means each player has to raise their own costs to take part.
For me, this isn’t just about football. It’s about representation and pride, showing that deaf athletes deserve equal opportunities and inspiring younger deaf players to chase their dreams, too."
The winner will receive:
- Two tickets to a May 2026 Manchester City home match (Man City V Brentford)
- A Family Stadium Tour for two adults and two children, offering the chance to go behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium. (Expires 31/07/2026)
This is a fantastic opportunity for Football fans to experience the energy, atmosphere, and world‑class facilities of one of the UK’s most iconic clubs. Every ticket purchased helps support our deaf footballers as they fundraise for essential costs to get them to Serbia. They need help covering travel, accommodation, coaching, and kit, which unfortunately receive no public funding.
Upcoming events
We have several events throughout the year for parents, pupils and professionals. We know how important it is for you to see our school in action, to meet pupils and staff and to enjoy our hospitality.
Keep exploring
Take a look at what else we’ve been up at Mary Hare School
