Hochiki Europe donates match tickets to Medway Soccer Academy
Iain Hoey
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Football ticket competition supports Gillingham youth initiative
Hochiki Europe has reported that it awarded 35 tickets to a Gillingham FC home match to Medway Soccer Academy as part of its “Golden Ticket” competition.
The grassroots academy, based in Gillingham, Kent, was selected for its provision of affordable football sessions for local children.
The initiative was founded in 2019 by Matt Waters and operates on a £4 “pay and play” model.
Hochiki team visit academy training with Gillingham FC player
Hochiki Europe stated that Marketing Manager Craig Taylor and Marketing Project Specialist Kara Martin visited the academy during a training session held at a local community park.
They were joined by Gillingham FC midfielder Ethan Coleman.
According to the company, Coleman spent over an hour speaking with children and coaches, discussing his professional experience and responding to questions from the group.
The children reportedly asked about Coleman’s pre-match routines, football inspirations and personal interests.
Parents highlight academy’s affordability and impact
Hochiki Europe said that Kara Martin also spoke with parents in attendance at the training session.
The parents reportedly described the academy as an important activity for families who could not commit to regular team schedules.
They also emphasised the academy’s role in improving children’s confidence and social engagement.
Martin said: “Matt’s unwavering commitment to the community is inspiring.
“Many of these children would otherwise miss out on the experience of a live football match.”
Training session ends with raffle and ticket presentation
Hochiki Europe reported that the visit concluded with a penalty shootout involving academy participants.
Children who scored during the shootout were entered into a raffle to win a future Gillingham FC training experience.
The company stated that Ethan Coleman presented Matt Waters with a golden envelope containing the 35 tickets to the Gillingham FC vs Swindon Town match, which took place on 26 April.
Matt Waters said: “We are incredibly grateful to Hochiki Europe for this amazing opportunity.
“This means the world to our children, many of whom have never experienced a live football game.
“It’s a testament to the hard work of our volunteer coaches and the dedication of our young players.”
Hochiki Europe donates match tickets to Medway Soccer Academy: Summary
Hochiki Europe donated 35 match tickets to Medway Soccer Academy through its “Golden Ticket” competition.
The academy was founded in 2019 by Matt Waters and offers £4 “pay and play” sessions for local children.
The donation was awarded during a visit from Hochiki staff and Gillingham FC midfielder Ethan Coleman.
Coleman spoke with children and coaches about his football career.
Parents at the session said the academy provides accessible and supportive activities for local families.
The event included a penalty shootout and a raffle for a future training experience.
The 35 tickets were for the Gillingham FC vs Swindon Town match on 26 April.
Waters said the donation recognised the work of the volunteer coaches and young players.
Hochiki Europe is the Rainham End sponsor of Gillingham Football Club.
