Stars pitch up to help victims of sex abuse

Paul Dickov

FORMER Latics player-manager Paul Dickov is among football legends and celebrities taking part in a fundraising match for a charity set up after child sex abuse revelations rocked the game in 2016

Dickov will join a host of ex-professional players, including Danny Murphy, Trevor Sinclair, Danny Webber, Ashley Ward and Colin Henry as well as The Walking Dead star, David Morrissey, and The Royle Family's Ralf Little at Curzon Ashton Football Club on Sunday.

Craig Hignett, Peter Reid, singer Rowetta, 2016 Big Brother winner Jason Burrill and Ross Worswick from Ex on the Beach also join the star-studded line-up for Off-Side Trust's first ever charity spectacular, which is being supported by big name sponsors and partners.

The Trust was set up by a number of former professional players who bravely waived their right to anonymity to speak out about their past abuse.

The organisation is committed to supporting survivors and working to make sport safer for children and is led by ex-Crewe Alexandra footballer Steve Walters and former professional golfer, Chris Unsworth, whose stories have inspired hundreds of people to speak out for the first time about their abuse.

Steve said: "Six months ago, we made a life-changing decision to speak about the sexual abuse we suffered as children.

"We did this because we wanted to prevent any child from suffering the way we did. We've been overwhelmed by people's desire to help us achieve that goal, as well as offer support to other survivors."

"This is a great opportunity for all our friends around the country to get involved. We need everyone to buy a ticket, donate a raffle prize, and publicise the event. And, of course, if any of our footballing heroes fancy dusting off their boots for a great cause, we'd love them to join us."

Curzon Ashton chief executive, Natalie Atkinson, said the club was proud to be hosting the Offside Trust's first Celebrity Football Match, after several clubs from the south of England expressed interest in holding the match at their grounds.

"We are delighted to be hosting this match and to be working with such an important organisation to raise the profile of safeguarding in football," said Natalie.

"It's an honour and a privilege to be working with Steve and Chris from the Offside Trust."

For more information and to buy tickets for the match go to www.theoffsidetrust.com/celebrity-match.