Emmaus to hold charity football match vs GMP Tameside for homeless fund

A team of ex-professional footballers and formerly homeless people supported by Emmaus Mossley are gearing up for a charity football match against GMP Tameside.

Taking part in the game will be former professional players Daniel Nardiello and Guy Branston, and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

The charity match is being organised by GMP’s Tameside Division with support from Emmaus Mossley, Mossley AFC and Oldham Athletic Community Trust. 

The family-friendly event will also include local club mascots, inflatable activities, charity raffle and face painting. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Homelessness Fund.

Harry Barlow, Community Leader at Emmaus Mossley, said: “We’re all looking forward to the rematch and bringing the community together for an enjoyable day for a good cause. Helping people less fortunate than ourselves is a big part of the Emmaus ethos and a real motivation for the players taking part.

“I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of Emmaus Mossley and all the people and organisations who are supporting this charity match.”

The Emmaus team will consist of formerly homeless people who are now supported by the charity, staff members and special guests.

Emmaus communities support formerly homeless people by providing them with a home, support and work in a community setting. Each Emmaus runs different social enterprises, providing work and development opportunities while generating income to sustain the work of the charity.

PC Steve Naylor from Greater Manchester Police said: “Following the success of last year’s charity match, myself and Harry felt we had to do it again, but this time even bigger and better. 

“We have increased the number of activities on offer and increased the youth tournament to eight teams, in the hope that we can raise even more funds for such a worthwhile cause.

“Homelessness is still a recurring issue for many people. I have visited a Bed For A Night shelter myself and can see the great work they are doing to help people who find themselves out on the streets. For this reason, my colleagues and I at GMP Tameside are happy to give our own time to support the event.”

The Emmaus v GMP Tameside charity football match will take place from 2pm on Sunday, September 8 at Mossley AFC's Seel Park. Entertainment for all ages will be on offer throughout the day as well as food, drinks and a charity raffle. Admission will be £5 and free for u16s.

To support Emmaus Mossley visit www.emmaus.org.uk/mossley. If you would like to get involved or donate an item, please call 01457 838608 or visit the store at Longlands Mill, Queen Street, Mossley.