A squad of Royal Air Force veterans are aiming to raise money to support veterans' welfare by playing a season of football matches

To mark the Royal Air Force’s 100th anniversary, the RAF Football Association Veteran team will play a season of games to support the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity.

The RAF FA Veterans are aiming to raise £10,000 over the season, which will begin at Mosset Park in Forres on Sunday, 27 August with a match against a Highland League select team.

The veterans are made up of 275 former RAF members from all across the UK, from the ages of 35 to nearly 70.

Money raised by these games will go towards providing financial, practical and emotional support to members of the RAF, both current and former, and their partners or family.

Manager of the RAF FA Veterans Matt Beattie said: “The RAF FA Veterans have chosen to support the RAF Benevolent Fund as they our charity, here for everyone in the RAF family, past or present.

“We hope that the money we raise will allow the charity to continue what it does best: helping those less fortunate than ourselves, who have or continue to serve in the RAF.”

Matt continued: “We are all really looking forward to the challenge of playing against an experienced side and renewing old friendships. It makes for a superb and thoroughly exciting weekend to start our season.

“We are excited about all of the fixtures but a special celebrity game in April 2018 is of particular interest, whilst the army and navy games are must win fixtures!”

Paul Hewson, regional director for the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “What a wonderful way to raise awareness and donations for the RAF Benevolent Fund, thank you RAF FA Veterans! In what looks like an exciting season of matches, I wish the team all best, and I’m sure they’ll do the RAF proud.”

Entry will be free but supporters will be able to donate money to the Veterans either at the games or on their Just Giving page.