The Dunes Hotel Stadium is set to play host to an epic 24-hour charity match in May with two teams going head-to-head in a bid to raise funds for a couple of worthwhile local causes.
Players from the Club, the Community Trust and the Academy will go up against those from Barrow & District Junior League, with all money raised being split evenly between St Mary’s Hospice and funds to improve football facilities on Schneider Road.
Last year, the event raised an eye-watering £8,000 for local grassroots football and for improvements to The Bluebirds’ disabled facilities – and the hope is that even more can be raised this time around with it being played at The Dunes Hotel Stadium.
“It was such an amazing experience for everyone involved last year,” explained Community Trust Manager, Craig Rutherford, who is the brains behind the charity extravaganza.
“I couldn’t feel my legs at the end of last year’s game, and I did wonder at times what I had got myself into – so people must think we’re mad to do it all over again!
“It was fantastic to play at Furness Cavaliers last year and they were brilliant hosts whom we remain grateful to, but the support from the Club this season has meant we are able to stage the event at The Dunes Hotel Stadium.
“I think playing on the main pitch will give all the players that little boost, will allow more people to come and support it and hopefully provide the chance to raise even more money.
“As well as the backing of the Club, I’m really grateful for the support of Rickie Wallbank and Steven Gill who are both helping with the organisation to make sure this year is another massive success.
“St Mary’s Hospice has a personal place in my heart because they took such exceptional care of my father-in-law during his illness and supported our whole family with such care and empathy.
“That will act as my inspiration when the going gets tough in the game and hopefully this year I can come out on the winning side once again too!”
This year’s 24-hour game will take place over the weekend of Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May, with the Performance Centre’s tournament for Under 7s and Under 8s acting as the curtain-raiser before the main event kicks-off at 3pm.
Organisers have created a number of sponsorship opportunities for local people and companies to get behind the event and these can be snapped up via a special Crowd Funding page – click here for more information.
A celebration will take place for the volunteers, players, friends, family and spectators in the Fan Zone following the final whistle in the epic encounter.
Refreshments will be available throughout the day from the Club’s catering huts, in the Fan Zone and The Cross Bar, with various hospitality options also up for grabs via the Crowd Funding page.
Click here to visit the 24-hour match crowd funding page and see how you can support the event.