Footballers are united

UNITED . . . Boxer Anthony Crolla and footballer Paul Scholes with youngsters release balloons at the football marathon at Curzon Ashton

FOOTBALLERS young and old came together for a star-studded match which "smashed" its £10,000 target and raised £40,000 for victims of the Manchester terror attack.

The united effort of more than 300 of the city's football teams was backed by Manchester stars footballer Paul Scholes and boxer Anthony Crolla.

Before kick-off, participants and supporters observed a minute's silence and 22 balloons were released in memory of the 22 victims.

Some 2,000 footballers took part in the 24-hour Manchester Marathon Match which launched at 7pm on Friday.

The money raised will be go to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, set up by the British Red Cross to support victims and families of the Arena atrocity.

Mark Howard, one of seven organisers, said: "It was amazing. It was phenomenal. It was absolutely breathtaking.

"The support was fantastic. We had children as young as five and players getting out of bed at 4am to support the cause."

Mark, who is manager of Chadderton FC, organised a team for Saturday morning and took part in a last-minute organisers' match at 10.30pm on Friday. More than 60 footballs went missing over fences and in bushes during the event, forcing organisers to put out urgent appeals on social media. However, dozens of volunteers, relief volunteers and supporters were on hand to ensure not a single match was missed.

DJ Mike Sweeny, boxer Terry Flanagan and former Oldham Athletic player and manager Andy Ritchie were among the participants.

The tournament, at Curzon Ashton FC's Tameside Stadium, was the idea of seven teams in the Manchester football community who were overwhelmed by the response.

Mark said: "Every game was filled. Players aged five through to 65 took part. A disability team from south Wales travelled eight hours to play.

"Since the horrific attack the support from Manchester and across the country has been incredible.

"We set ourselves a £10,000 target and we absolutely smashed it, if not easily doubled it."

Residents took to social media to praise the organisers of the event for their "brilliant efforts" in making it happen.

Neil Lucas said: "Brilliant event, the volunteers were all superb. I played three games and loved it.. Great cause and a great show of solidarity, respect and togetherness.. Nothing will break us.. #Manchester #Respect"

Karl Longworth said: "Great event. Myself and Chadderton FC Juniors U11's were delighted to be part of it."

Michelle Whiteford said on Saturday (2): "We were there last night when a rainbow appeared. So touching and a great atmosphere. Looking forward to more today and watching my son play in it x"

Karen May said: "You are doing a fantastic job, it's so well organised, we were there 9.30pm till 1am and you guys just never stopped."

Each player was asked to raise £10 in sponsorship and donations were taken from spectators.

The tournament concluded with another show of solidarity for those affected by the attack with 22 more balloons released.

• Check out more pictures from the 24 hour football marathon on our picture sales page.