Two England legends from the North West will be lining up next month in a match to raise money for an iconic Greater Manchester institution.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and a squad from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will take on a select eleven chosen by Salford DJ Mike Sweeney, all in aid of Salford Lads and Girls Club.
Burnham and Sweeney have both been busy in the transfer market, and can announce today that Bolton Wanderers legend and former Manchester City player-manager plus England international Peter Reid has signed for Burnham’s XI, while United fan Sweeney, an England over-75s international himself, has sealed a deal for Champions League winner Paul Scholes.
The match is set to take place at AFC Monton’s New Alder Park on Sunday 11 May. Entry to the ground will be free, with people able to donate as much as they like to the Lads and Girls Club on the door.
The 121-year-old institution was saved from closure last year after an appeal raised the £250,000 it needed to keep it running. Donations included £100,000 from Salford City Council and £50,000 from Morrissey to smash the required target in just six weeks.
While the club’s immediate future is safe, a £1m Legacy Fund has been set up to secure the long-term safety of the club, which provides a lifeline to some of the most deprived communities in Greater Manchester. Donations from the match will provide a vital boost to the Fund and help put the club on a firm footing to keep helping young people for years to come.
Striker Burnham’s XI will include staff from the GMCA, with Sweeney also set to pick from the BBC’s talent pool. More famous faces and former players are set to be announced.
Andy Burnham said:
“Salford Lads and Girls Club is an iconic institution which has provided a lifeline to many of the most vulnerable in our communities. When we were told the club was in real jeopardy last year we knew we had to do all we could to help.
“It was fantastic to see all the money raised in such a short space of time to save the club, but we want to go further to make sure the club is safe and invested in for the future. This is why the legacy fund is so important.
“Hopefully Greater Manchester can turn out to see us switch the radio studio for the football pitch and raise some vital funds for the club.”
Mike Sweeney said:
“Salford Lads and Girls Club is incredibly close to my heart and I can’t think of a better cause to put this game to.
“It will be a welcome change switching the battle of the studio to the football pitch where I can flex my international credentials, while raising as much money as we can for this amazing club.”
