University of Brighton Ladies Football Team hosted a 7-a-side charity football tournament to celebrate the life of teammate Georgia Jackson and raise money for Mind, the mental health charity.

Georgia Jackson, 21 was a much loved and respected squad member of Brighton University Ladies Football Team, who due to ongoing mental health, sadly passed away in early December 2017.

Georgia studied Accounting and Finance at the University of Brighton and football was a big passion of hers, with her favourite position being centre midfield.

To celebrate her life and to raise money for the mental health charity Mind, Georgia’s teammates decided to host their own female adults’ football tournament which was supported by the Sussex County FA and Sport Brighton. The day included music, raffles, cake sales, food and drink stands plus mental health awareness discussions and information.

The event, which took place on Saturday 2 June, saw thirteen teams participate across the day and over one hundred and thirty players involved. Trophies and medals were awarded to those involved with all players given a t-shirt with “Georgia Jackson Cup” printed on the back.

University of Brighton Ladies Football Coach, Naomi Robinson said: “Georgia was a charismatic, funny and generous person who was football mad.

“I wanted to give the girls the opportunity to stick together as a team and do something positive for Georgia. We hope to raise enough money to raise the awareness surrounding mental health and to provide teams with access to a wide range of mental health support networks.”

Jade Harker, who attended the event as a player and a representative of the Sussex County FA said: “The day was absolutely brilliant; the students who organised the event did themselves, their university and their teammate Georgia Jackson proud. 

“I was so honoured to be able to support this event in my work capacity to raise awareness of mental health in football.”

In total, £1750 was raised and is being donated to the charity. A plaque will also be made in Georgia’s memory to be visible for all to see at the University before they step out onto the pitch to play football. 

To contact Mind please see below:

Mind
T: 0300 123 3393 or text 86463
E: info@mind.org.uk