The Big Keepy Uppy Challenge 2026: Help Keep Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Flying
If you’ve ever heard the thump of rotor blades overhead and felt that split-second relief of “help is on the way”, you already understand why Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance matters.
This summer, they’re inviting the whole community to do something brilliantly simple (and surprisingly addictive): keep a football in the air.
What is The Big Keepy Uppy Challenge?
The Big Keepy Uppy Challenge is a World Cup-inspired fundraising event where participants aim to complete 3,000 keepy uppies between 11 June and 19 July 2026.
Why 3,000? Because Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance is called out around 3,000 times every year—so the challenge is one keepy uppy for every call-out.
It’s free to enter, open to everyone, and you can take part in whatever way works for you.
Why it matters (and where your sponsorship goes)
Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance is a charity service, funded by supporters. Every donation helps keep their helicopter and critical care team ready to respond to emergencies and traumatic incidents across Dorset and Somerset.
A single mission costs around £3,500. That’s why fundraising events like this one are so important: they help keep life-saving pre-hospital critical care available when it’s needed most.
“3,000 sounds like a lot…” (it doesn’t have to be)
Here’s the reassuring bit: 3,000 spread across the challenge period works out at roughly 80 keepy uppies a day.
And even better—your keepy uppies:
- Don’t have to be consecutive
- Don’t have to be completed daily
- Don’t have to reach 3,000
Whether you manage 30, 300, or the full 3,000, you’re still taking part, raising awareness, and supporting a vital local service.
Who can take part?
Pretty much everyone. The challenge is designed to be inclusive and flexible:
- Individuals
- Families
- Schools
- Workplaces
- Sports clubs
- Youth groups
- Friends and teams
You don’t need to be “good at football” either. You can even use a mini football or any ball that works for you.
How it works (simple 4-step plan)
1) Sign up
Create your fundraising page and join the challenge for free.
2) Start kicking
Track your keepy uppies between 11 June and 19 July.
3) Share and fundraise
Ask friends, family, colleagues, and your wider community to sponsor your effort.
4) Celebrate your achievement
Hit £35 raised and you’ll receive an exclusive DSAA mini football as a thank you.
Rewards and a prize draw
As well as the mini football for raising £35, everyone who signs up and activates their fundraising page is entered into a draw to win a signed AFC Bournemouth football.
A great summer challenge for your group
This is the kind of fundraiser that works brilliantly for:
- A school sports week
- A workplace wellbeing challenge
- A club training session with a fundraising twist
- A family “garden tournament” (with lots of laughter)
It’s active, low-cost, easy to explain, and it gives people a reason to donate that feels fun and tangible.
Ready to join in?
If you’re looking for a feel-good challenge that supports a life-saving local charity, The Big Keepy Uppy Challenge is a great one to get behind.
- Event page: https://www.dsairambulance.org.uk/Event/the-big-keepy-uppy-challenge-2026
- Sign up: https://givp.nl/register/y2LR4g6i
- Terms & Conditions: https://www.dsairambulance.org.uk/the-big-keepy-uppy-challenge-terms-and-conditions
If you do take part, share your progress and tag Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance on social media (they encourage participants to tag them on Facebook and Instagram). And if you’re feeling brave—nominate three friends to join you.
