In 2025, the Thanet sporting community came together for something truly special, The Legends Legacy Day, held in honour of Sarah Johnson on what would have been her 47th birthday.

Sarah, a much-loved member of the Thanet LEGends, sadly passed away in September 2024 after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and community spirit that continues to inspire everyone who knew her.

The Legends Legacy Day was created to celebrate Sarah’s life, and it blossomed into a series of community events filled with love, movement, football, and friendship in the heart of Thanet. We are now pleased to announce that the Legacy Day will be returning bigger and better than ever in 2026, find out more about how you can get involved on 17th January at the end of this article.

Take a look at how 2025 unfolded –

A Weekend to Remember

The legacy weekend began on the Friday with a lively quiz night at The Lord Byron, where old friends and new gathered to kick off the celebrations and share stories about Sarah.

The following morning, the Thanet LEGends Women’s Football Team took centre stage. With players past and present reunited, the day began with a Clubbercise warm-up led by Naomi Wright from Group Fitness with Naomi Wright, Clubbercise & Totally Shredded – Manston Thanet. The room glowed (literally!) with colour, energy, and joy, a perfect reflection of Sarah’s personality.

After Clubbercise, the team were catered for by the amazing team at the Jolly Farmer, Manston before heading off to support Ramsgate FC’s men’s team before lacing up their own boots for an evening exhibition match under the floodlights at the WW Martin Stadium.

“Once a Legend, Always a Legend”

The theme of the day was community togetherness, something Sarah embodied effortlessly. And throughout the day, that sense of unity shone brightly.

Donations poured in from a raffle, online contributions, and supporters who braved the cold to cheer under the lights. In total, the team have raised over £1,000 for Sarah’s GoFundMe page, which will support charities and inclusive projects close to Sarah’s heart.

Thanks to Ace Attires, custom t-shirts were created for the occasion, all proudly displaying Sarah’s favourite number 5 and the message: “Once a Legend, Always a Legend.” Each shirt was shared with her family as a heartfelt tribute and keepsake.

The event concluded with every participant receiving a ‘Sarah’s Legacy’ medal, beautifully crafted by Ramsgate Trophies, recognising the achievement of over 30 women of all ages, abilities, and experiences coming together to play the game they love, just as Sarah would have wanted.

The support of Sports Connect played a vital role in making the event possible. Working alongside Sarah’s former team, the Thanet Legends, Sports Connect has helped create the Thanet Calm Club, a welcoming space for women of all ages to come together through the love of football.

The Thanet Legends were proudly recognised as Thanet Community Award winners for their incredible community impact, with regular weekly sessions attracting over 20 women, some of whom have recently completed Mental Health First Aid qualifications.

These sessions have provided not only football and fitness, but also friendship, confidence, and a powerful sense of belonging.

Lighting Up The Hive

As a follow-up event, the Legends took to The Hive, where they hosted a relaxed evening of 6- or 7-a-side matches in partnership with Thanet Galaxy, a local football club that provides coaching and competition for players aged 14+ with physical, emotional, educational, and behavioural disabilities.

The friendly fixtures raised further donations, enabling Thanet Galaxy to purchase a new set of floodlights (with The Hive providing additional sets), ensuring the pitch is now well and truly lit up for their winter sessions.

Looking Ahead – What to expect in 2026

Sarah’s spirit continues to inspire everything the Thanet Legends and Sports Connect stand for, inclusion, connection, and togetherness through sport.

Want to get involved in 2026? take a look at how below 👇

Sports Connect are proud to once again be supporting a truly special community event in memory of local community advocate.

On Saturday 17th January 2026 at Manston Social Club, come and be part of a fantastic day of fundraising for Sports Connect friend Sarah’s Legacy.

This year, funds raised will support Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, helping to raise awareness of this rare cancer, while also contributing to the launch of a local Teenage Girls Calm Football Team. This team will provide a safe, supportive space for girls to enjoy football, build friendships, and receive mentoring and mental health support from qualified female coaches.

How you can get involved:

✨9am – Clubbercise (£2 per person donated)

👉 Sign up: https://www.bookwhen.com/fitnesswithnaomi

⚽ 1pm–4pm – Charity Football Afternoon

Games, food & drinks all day, plus indoor activities like pool and darts – fun whatever the weather! If you are interested in joining in please contact communityinfo@sportsconnect.uk

🧠 7pm – Family Quiz

£5 per person (kids go free), cash prize for the winning team! Register your team by emailing ramsgatelegends@gmail.com

🎶 Followed by a family disco & raffle – all funds going to Sarah’s Legacy

Every activity helps make a difference. We’d love to see the community come together to celebrate Sarah’s legacy and support such an important cause 💙

🔗 Donate or find out more: https://gofund.me/dc56c0f57

Together, we’ll keep Sarah’s legacy alive — on and off the pitch.