A football match between a team from Emmaus and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Tameside has raised £2,018 for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Homelessness Fund.
On Sunday 21 October, more than 500 people turned out to support the Emmaus Vs GMP Tameside Charity Football Match at Seel Park in Mossley. The Emmaus team, which included former professional footballer Andy Ritchie and staff from Oldham Athletic, mostly consisted of formerly homeless people who are now supported by the charity.
Andy Ritchie said: “It was wonderful to see so many people turn out at Seel Park to support a fantastic cause and help to raise a tremendous amount that will go a long way. The match was a very competitive one and the Emmaus team did themselves proud, I loved being back out on the pitch. Congratulations to Greater Manchester Police who were the winners on the day.”
The match was organised by Greater Manchester Police‘s Tameside Division with support from Emmaus Mossley, Mossley A.F.C and Oldham Athletic Community Trust (OACT). The game was played in good spirits with GMP Tameside taking the win with a score line of 8-2.
PC Steve Naylor from Greater Manchester Police, said: “What a fantastic day! Thanks to everyone who made it all possible, to all the generous businesses who donated raffle prizes, Mossley AFC for providing the venue, OACT for securing the services of Andy Ritchie, Andy himself and Chief Constable Ian Hopkins for presenting the awards.”
“I want to thank and congratulate all of the lads from each team who put on a great show. Most of all, thanks to everyone who took time out, on a rainy Sunday afternoon, to come down and support the event. Without you, the day wouldn’t have been half as much of a success as it was.”
The Emmaus team included people who live, work and are supported by Emmaus Mossley and Emmaus Leeds. Emmaus communities support formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work in a community setting. Each Emmaus runs different social enterprises, providing work and development opportunities whilst generating income to sustain the work of the charity.
Darren, companion of Emmaus Mossley and team captain of the Emmaus XI, said: “I really enjoyed the game, getting on the score sheet and playing alongside Andy Ritchie. I thought both teams did really well and I would like to congratulate the GMP Tameside team on their win.
“Massive thanks to all the people and businesses who supported the event and special thanks to the people at GMP Tameside, Mossley AFC and OACT for making it happen.”
The family-friendly event included GMP mascots Constable Cub and Wolfie, OAFC’s Chaddy The Owl and Stockport County’s Vernon Bear. An under-eights youth tournament took place with teams from Clarksfield and Glodwick FC, Denton Youth, Dukinfield Tigers and Springhead Reds, with Springhead running out winners after a nail biting penalty shootout.
The event also included a charity raffle, inflatable assault course, axe throwing, archery and face painting.
For anyone who couldn’t make it on the day but would still like to support the event you can donate online at https://www.gofundme.com/EmmausVsGMPTameside
Raffle prizes were donated by Ashton United FC, Active Tameside, Autograph Art, Cineworld, Nando’s, Heyrod Food and Floral, Hollywood Bowl, Indian Ocean Restaurant, Manchester City FC, Manchester United FC, Mossley AFC, Oldham Athletic FC, Salford City FC, The Broadoak Hotel, The White Hart, Tranquillity Cosmetics and the Village Hotel in Ashton.
Paul Hett Limited in Hyde donated the winner’s trophy and player of the match award for the charity match. Gee Dee Trophies in Shaw, Hyde Trophies, Treble Darts and Trophies in Oldham and H Perrigo in Droylsden supplied trophies and medals for the youth tournament.
Jigsaw Homes sponsored the event, by supplying the inflatable activities from Jalmac Leisure. One Adventure Droylsden supported the event with activities on the day and St John’s Ambulance provided first aid support.