Getting their kicks in aid of local homeless

A team of former homeless people supported by Emmaus are gearing up for a charity football match against a team from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Tameside.

The Emmaus vs GMP Tameside charity football match will take place on Sunday, October 21 at Seel Park, home of Mossley FC.

The family-friendly event will also include local club mascots, a penalty shoot-out challenge, charity raffle, inflatable assault course, axe throwing, archery and face painting.

All of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Homelessness Fund.

The match is being organised by GMPs Tameside Division with support from Emmaus Mossley, Mossley FC and Oldham Athletic Community Trust.

PC Steve Naylor, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “Homelessness is a big issue and something we come across on a daily basis which is why we are passionate and happy to support such a worthwhile cause.

"This is why myself and other officers from Tameside have given up our own time to help organise and take part in the event.”

Some of the great raffle prizes have been donated by Active Tameside, Cineworld, Nando’s, Hollywood Bowl, Indian Ocean Restaurant, Manchester City FC, Manchester United FC, 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 has donated the winner’s trophy and player of the match award.

Jigsaw Homes has sponsored the event by supplying the inflatable activities from Jalmac Leisure, and One Adventure Droylsden are supporting the event with activities on the day.

St John's Ambulance will also provide first aid support on the day.

The Emmaus team consists of formerly homeless people who are now supported by Emmaus communities in the North West.

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 while generating income to sustain the work of the charity.

Harry Barlow, Community Leader at Emmaus Mossley, said: “Our Emmaus team are looking forward to playing at Seel Park again and taking on the players from GMP Tameside.

"This event is a great way for the community to come together for a fun afternoon to raise awareness and funds to help tackle homelessness.

“I would like to give massive thanks to GMP Tameside, Mossley AFC, Oldham Athletic Community Trust and all of the businesses who have donated raffle prizes to support this event.”       

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 under-16s.

For anyone who can’t make it on the day but would like to support the event, you can donate online at: https://www.gofundme.com/EmmausVsGMPTameside

To find out more, or support Emmaus, head to: www.emmaus.org.yk/mossley  

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