Talented Guthrie, the first Jersey girl to represent England, presented the medals to the youngsters following the U11s successes over Redbridge at Fort Regent on Tuesday only for the tables to be turned on her – a donation of £1,000 to help with her travelling expenses.
Heather Guthrie, Serena’s mother, said: ‘Serena and I were blown away by the gesture, it’s a selfless act of kindness and we are extremely grateful.
‘We can’t believe that these youngsters have given their time and effort to raise money for someone else.
‘This will help take a little pressure off the family now and a million thanks to everyone involved, especially coaches Jackie Nelson and Yveline Le Manach.
‘The U11s look up to Serena and I’m sure many of them will be supporting her this weekend when she plays for Convent in the Jersey Open at Fort Regent.’ The juniors raised the sponsorship at a fitness session held at the FB Fields on Sunday 5 February.
In three groups, each undertaking a five-minute session, the girls scored goals for 15 minutes and then, ran the length of a netball court, again in three five-minute sessions.
Nelson said: ‘It was really tough for the girls because they are still young.
But they have done a excellent job with the fitness and raising money.
‘Serena was an U11 once, so it’s a good incentive to all the girls that there is something to aim for as they get older.
‘We try to do something as a group every year as part of bonding, the two age groups mix very well and their support of each other has been fantastic.’ Such was the success at the fitness session, one player scored an amazing 98 goals in her five-minute session.
Serena Guthrie is in England for a few days this week training with the U17 squad.
