Scholes and Crolla at marathon match

Mark Howard

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

ARE you ready to get stuck into the epic 24-hour football marathon at Curzon Ashton FC's Tameside Stadium this Friday and Saturday?

A very special fund-raising event in aid of the Manchester Arena bombing victims has been arranged, and anyone - men, women or child football fanatics - can get involved by entering a team into the huge charity tournament.

Mark Howard, Chadderton FC's team manager and one of the 'Manchester Match Marathon' organising committee, said: "We came up with the idea of a huge 24-hour tournament because we want to raise as much money as possible for the Manchester victims' families.

"Already the response has been fantastic, with teams signing up to get involved and play.

"The event will kick-off on Friday at Curzon at 7pm and football matches will run through the night and on until 7pm on Saturday evening.

"We've already had loads of junior teams sign up to play 20-minute seven-a-side games, but we are still seeking lots more men's and women's teams.

"It's going to be a brilliant event and one which will hopefully raise lots and lots of money.

"It's not just about raising money, though. It's about raising awareness of the power of the love in our communities for these families."

Football teams - whether young, old, male or female - are being asked to donate £10 per player when they register for the event. The organising committee are aiming to raise a minimum of £10,000.

Manchester United and England legend Paul Scholes and champion boxer Anthony Crolla will kick-off the 24-hour marathon, while there will be music and lots of other entertainment on offer for participants and spectators to get involved with and enjoy.

Twenty-two huge pink balloons will be released at the start of the event.

To register email manchestermatchmarathon@outlook.com and check out the event's Twitter at #MCRfootballtogether