Stalybridge Celtic is hosting a charity football match in order to help raise money for the club, which has been struggling with financial issues for quite some time, due to rising electricity bills amongst other things.

The charity match is among a number of fundraising events the club has planned over the next few months, and it is due to take place on Sunday 14 of May at Bower Fold, kicking off at 2pm. The event will last for most of the day with doors opening at 12pm and closing at 5pm. It should be a fun day for all the family but for kids especially, and there will be several activities and amenities available such as sponge-throwing games, cake stands, and beer stalls, so there is something for everyone.

The idea to organise a charity football match came from two local people, Steven Barton from Barty’s Foodbank and James McQuade from Empire Spares, a local business in Stalybridge. The idea was to face both organisations against each other in a match between Empire Spares and Barty’s Foodbank, and members of local businesses were encouraged to get involved. The two came together to pitch the idea, as they wanted to give members of local businesses the chance to play in a proper stadium, while also raising money to help the club they love. When questioned about the event Steven said, “It will be a special day for all those taking part”. The pair are hoping to raise a few thousand pounds for the club through the event.

The event is £20 if you would like to play in the match or £5 if you’d like to come and watch, and optional additional donations can be made on the day as well, with all money going directly to the club. Steven was also very keen to stress the positive effect sport can have on people’s wellbeing, “Sport is so important in terms of mental health it can really help people to deal with the issues they might be facing, it can be an escape for many people” Steven said.

The pair say they have received a phenomenal amount of support and messages from those wanting to take part, including people asking if they can be ball kids or mascots. They also mentioned there will also be an under-12’s match at half-time. Organiser Steven says, “It is so important to get children involved where possible”.

Empire Spares, the company involved in the match has been helping out the local community by delivering appliances to local people in need, such as kettles and washing machines. The company has delivered over one hundred pieces of equipment to people’s homes for free.

Barty’s Foodbank, the other organisation involved has also been helping people of the community out, providing food, counselling, and even advice on paying bills, to local people. They also delivered £250,000 worth of toys to underprivileged children across a number of months, for Christmas.

Both companies have a big focus on helping out the community wherever they can, and with this charity match, they can hopefully give something back to Stalybridge Celtic, a club that has done so much for the community and provided people with so much joy.

More information regarding where to purchase tickets will be released in due course.

🏃 Tour of Tameside 2023 🏃

We're proud to be delivering this year's four-day running festival, which takes place from 15 to 18 June. 

Find out more and book your place here. 

Want more local sport stories?

Head to https://www.questmedianetwork.co.uk/news/sport/ to see more of our coverage - from community and non-league football to local and county cricket, boxing, athletics, basketball, Esports and golf.