Generous contributions from players and staff helped raise £1,058.50 as club and community came together to honour Owen

Rotherham United Women players and staff made a heartfelt gesture in memory of Owen Jenkinson, voluntarily donating substantial amounts from their own match expenses as part of a fundraising day that raised £1,058.50.

The contributions were a particularly special part of Sunday’s County Cup fixture against Doncaster Rovers Belles Development, with members of the squad and coaching staff choosing to give back from their own modest expenses to support Owen Jenkinson’s October Challenge.

At the fifth tier of women’s football, where players receive only modest financial support, the decision to donate significant amounts of their expenses demonstrated the generosity, togetherness and community spirit within the club.

Their gesture was at the heart of an afternoon that brought together supporters, families, volunteers and the wider Rotherham community in support of Owen’s memory and PACT.

Further contributions came through pay-what-you-can admission, a raffle and matchday activities, while club legend John Breckin joined supporters for a pre-match walk.

On the pitch, Rotherham secured an impressive 11–1 victory over Doncaster Rovers Belles Development, with several younger players also gaining valuable first-team minutes. However, the occasion meant far more than the result.

Club co-owner Scott Thorpe said:

“I’m genuinely proud of our players and staff. They receive very little financially for the time and commitment they give to football, so for them to make such generous contributions from their own expenses, without being asked, is something that deserves real recognition.

“It’s a lovely gesture and says a lot about the people we’ve got at this club. I can’t thank them enough.

“I also want to say a huge thank you to the Jenkinson family, their friends and everyone who came down to support the day. It meant a lot to us to be involved, and I’m really pleased we could play a small part in something so important.”

Rotherham United Women would also like to thank John Breckin, the club’s volunteers and everyone who contributed to making the afternoon a success.

While the £1,058.50 raised was a fantastic achievement, the generosity shown by the club’s players and staff was one of the most memorable aspects of a day dedicated to honouring Owen’s memory.