Hundreds raised for charity at Salford Community Walking Football Tournament

Our reporter Chris Vickers is a keen member of his local walking football club and shares some updates about their annual charity tournament, raising hundreds of pounds for a chosen charity.

On Saturday, October 9, an annual in-house competition organised by the Salford Walking Football club committee took place to honour a heritage started by our ex-club secretary, Bob Fletcher.

At the start of the year, a charity is nominated, previous examples being MIND and Motor Neurone Disease, and a part of our game subs go towards that particular charity.

This year, the proposal was Prostate Cancer. In addition to the subs, an annual tournament is organised, with a buffet lunch after the games, and a raffle to boost funds.

The players contribute towards or donate prizes and on the day ÂŁ249.50 was raised, which meant that over the year the overall total was ÂŁ500.

At the tournament, the age range of players is from 50 to 70 and therefore team selection is imperative to provide competitive games.

As a selector, Chris Tierney featured a good balance in terms of age and ability. The proof of this was in the nature of the closely fought matches played in an excellent spirit.

Teams A-F played ten-minute games, with three points for a win and one point for a draw.

Following the tournament, the physically drained and hungry players moved to a private room at Salford Sports Village for a lovely buffet lunch provided by some of the wives and partners; a special mention goes to Mary Cameron’s fruit cake…watch out Bake Off!

Having satisfied their hunger, it was time for the raffle, expertly managed by John Palmer. The prizes were impressive (though not necessarily appreciated by the City fan who won the Ronaldo shirt!), with the star prize being afternoon tea at the Ivy.

As previously mentioned, the tournament was the brainchild of Bob Fletcher, who had to stand down for personal reasons. However, his hard work over many years will not be forgotten and his ethos will continue through the committee.

Salford Walking Football uniquely incorporates Community in its title and it will always remain the community club.

Sessions take place Monday and Friday at 11 am and on Tuesday night from 7 pm for those aged 50 plus.

Enjoyed reading this – and would like to read more? We’re a team of volunteer reporters who are on a mission to change the record on growing older in Greater Manchester. We are not-for-profit – and we rely on your vital support to avoid those annoying pop-up ads and to keep on sharing stories that challenge ageist stereotypes and celebrate the ways we’re all growing older. Please support us from as little as ÂŁ3 by buying us a Ko-fi. – it would mean the world to us! Thank you.


LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here