Women’s futsal team honours late captain with fundraising efforts and international competition

The Dorset Futsal Club’s all-women’s team are fundraising for a trip to France to compete internationally in memory of their late captain, Amie Gray, 34.

Amie was killed on May 24 last year by criminology student Nasen Saadi during an attack on Bournemouth Beach.

Saadi, 20, was convicted at Winchester Crown Court for Amie’s murder and the attempted murder of her friend, Leanne Miles, 38.

In remembrance, the team have decided to carry on the club in Amie’s memory, with a mission to embody her passion and love for the sport.

The club is preparing for an exciting milestone, a trip to France to compete on an international level at the end of the month.

Lydia Kilby, 32, team member, said: “It was always Amie’s passion for us to have a go at futsal at full blast and we knew she wanted us to go into the league, so we hit the ground running and went for it!”

The team are self-funded, leading the players to launch several fundraising initiatives.

To make the trip possible, the female players have joined their male counterparts and local businesses to organise a community raffle.

In addition to this, the women are planning a walk across Dorset upon their return from France.

These efforts aim to not only cover expenses for the competition but also to create a legacy for the club in Amie’s honour.

Hollie Bentley, 31, a player on the team, reflected on the emotional journey of continuing without their beloved captain. “I drive past the pub all of us girls used to go to with Amie on my way to training, and knowing that when I get to training she’s not going to be there is really hard.

“She brought us all together. She gave the sport to us. In a way, this is why this team feels so special. Even though she’s gone, they couldn’t take this away from us.”

There are plans for an annual event hosted by the club in Amie’s memory, called “Amie Gray Day.”

Vice-Captain, Kimm Ellsworth, 25, said: “We have spoken about the idea since we thought about raising money for the club, gathering local businesses and families to spread the word of woman’s futsal all in Amie’s name.”

These efforts aim to keep her spirit alive while also supporting initiatives against knife crime, an issue close to the hearts of the team.

Lydia said: “It is what drives us, she was the one to form us. She was the most inclusive and welcoming person ever. She wanted to include anyone of any skill set and any age, we are proud to continue in her memory.”