Member Article

Charity World Cup tournament nets £1,800

More than 200 footballers from Chester and Cheshire helped raise more than £1,800 for three local charities after taking part in a World Cup-themed football tournament.

Chester and District Premiership side Crossway FC teamed up with credit card lender MBNA to host the event - Crossways 20th annual 7-a-side charity football tournament - with proceeds being shared equally between Macmillan Cancer Support, B.I.R.D and The Light Project in Chester.

Held at Cheshire County Sports Club in Upton, this year’s competition took on a World Cup theme and saw each team allocated the name of a country involved in Brazil 2014.

Ugo Eboh, who works at MBNA and plays for Crossway FC, said: “It was a fantastic competition and, thanks to everyone who turned out on the day, we managed to smash our fundraising target.

“We’re still waiting on the final figures but we think we’ve raised around £1,800, a new record for the tournament, which will be divided between three great local charities.

“Massive thanks go to our sponsors, AW Mellor Associates, Visualmetrics and Domino’s and to the Lord and Lady Mayoress for opening the event and all who gave up their time and donated.”

The Badgers BAA (France) were crowned Cup champions after narrowly beating Russell Athletic (Russia) 1-0 in a close final.

Crossway took on the mantel of FC Spain, eventually losing in the final of the Plate to Borussia Teeth (Uruguay) in a dramatic sudden death penalty shootout.

Off the pitch a bouncy castle, ice cream van and tombola created a family-friendly atmosphere with many spectators in attendance to enjoy the sunshine.

Ugo added: “The World cup theme gave the tournament that extra bit of excitement and everyone was in high spirits. There was some great football on display and more importantly we raised lots of money for some great causes.”

MBNA’s Risk Operations charity leader, Michael Walsh, said: “We’re delighted with the number of teams playing on the day and that everything came together as planned to help us raise so much money for three worthy causes. It was an immensely enjoyable day for all involved and I’m proud of everyone who took part and who helped organise the event.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Crossway FC is an FA Charter Standard Club based in Chester with an Open Age (over 16s) team in the Chester & District Football League, a Veterans (over 35s) team playing friendly matches, and also a children and youth football-coaching scheme. The club works in partnership with Link Up www.linkup.uk.net

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Elle Brunton .