Tag: Football

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Curzon Ashton and Ashton United derby to raise support for Willow Wood Hospice

Curzon Ashton FC team posing for a photo at the Tameside Stadium with Joanne Lees from Willow Wood Hospice

Curzon Ashton Football Club’s match against local rivals Ashton United on Bank Holiday Monday will be dedicated to supporting Willow Wood Hospice.

The early-season clash at the Tameside Stadium (OL7 9HG) will be on Monday 31st August, kicking off at 3pm.

Curzon Ashton has chosen Willow Wood as its charity partner for the 2026/27 season, and supporters attending the eagerly anticipated cross-town derby will have the opportunity to make a donation and find out more about the vital care provided by the Hospice.

Curzon’s players will also be wearing t-shirts showing their support for the Hospice during the pre-match warm-up.

With both sides competing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the fixture promises plenty of excitement on the pitch – while offering fans the chance to show their support for local people living with any life-limiting illness.

Mike Smith, Curzon Ashton Community Foundation Manager, said: “Curzon Ashton is proud to be supporting Willow Wood Hospice as our charity partner this season. The Hospice plays such an important role in our local community, supporting patients and families when they need it most.

“Football brings people together, and we hope that by dedicating this local derby to Willow Wood, we can help raise awareness of the Hospice and encourage supporters to get behind its incredible work.”

Curzon Ashton and Willow Wood Hospice staff and mascots
Curzon Ashton has partnered with the Hospice for the 2026/27 season.

Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Curzon Ashton for choosing Willow Wood as its charity partner and for dedicating this exciting local derby to supporting the Hospice.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local football community and raise awareness of the specialist care we provide to patients and the people closest to them across Tameside and Glossop.

“We hope supporters will come along, enjoy the match and, if they can, make a donation or find out more about how they can support Willow Wood.”

Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Willow Wood Hospice provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to people with any life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop. The Hospice also supports families and those closest to patients.

It costs £4.1 million a year to run the Hospice, which receives only 22 per cent of its funding from the government – the rest must be raised by the generosity of the community through donations, organising or supporting fundraising events, buying pre-loved items from Willow Wood’s charity shops, leaving gifts in their Wills, joining the weekly lottery, and volunteering.

Admission is £14 for adults, £10 concessions, £5 students, £2 for 12–16-year-olds, with free entry for Under-12s. A family ticket for two adults and two children under 16 costs £25. Tickets can be purchased on the gate on the day.

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Mossley make it hat-trick of Willow Wood Hospice Cup wins

Mossley AFC lifted the trophy for the third successive year as the Willow Wood Hospice Cup match raised £409.05 in support of patient care.

The Lilywhites beat Curzon Ashton 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Seel Park on Tuesday evening (21st July) as both teams continued their pre-season preparations.

Kyle Campbell – son of the late former Arsenal, Everton and Nottingham Forest striker Kevin – opened the scoring in the 35th minute for hosts Mossley, who play in the Northern Premier League West Division.

Curzon – who were relegated last season to the Northern Premier League Premier Division – turned the game around to lead before the break with two goals in as many minutes, first from Brad Holmes and then Alex Curran.

Substitute Matt Kadacz levelled five minutes into the second half for Mossley, who converted each of their spotkicks to overcome their higher-division opponents.

Lilywhites captain Mark Lees and his Mossley team-mates were presented with the cup on the pitch after the final whistle.

Supporters of both teams were able to donate in collection buckets at the ground, enter a raffle and take part in a fun sweepstake.

It was all to support the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which cares for patients with any life-limiting illness in Tameside and Glossop and those closest to them.

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup was an annual fixture in the local non-league football calendar for a number of years.

After a hiatus, it was revived last year by former Dukinfield councillor and Civic Mayor of Tameside, Brian Wild, and fellow long-time supporter of the Hospice, Chris Smith.

Mossley hosted the occasion for the second year in a row after beating Droylsden 4-2 on spotkicks 12 months ago following a goalless draw. They also won 2-0 at Glossop North End when the cup made a triumphant return in 2024.

The Hospice would like to thank both clubs; Brian Wild, Chris Smith and Roger Dilkes for organising and supporting the occasion; and everyone who attended and donated.

Hospice patron Brian Wild said: “It was a great game with some fantastic goals and we saw another penalty shootout to determine the winner. Congratulations to Mossley for a hat-trick of cup wins!

“Thank you to everyone at Mossley and Curzon Ashton for their generosity, getting behind the match so brilliantly and supporting the vital services that the Hospice provides to our local community.”

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Local rivals to battle for Willow Wood Hospice Cup

Two of Tameside’s non-league football clubs will go head-to-head as Mossley AFC host Curzon Ashton FC in the Willow Wood Hospice Cup.

The pre-season clash will take place at Seel Park on Tuesday 21st July, with kick-off at 7.45pm, as current holders Mossley AFC look to lift the trophy for the third successive year.

The annual fixture has long been a feature of the local football calendar and was revived in 2024 by former Civic Mayor of Tameside and Willow Wood Hospice patron Brian Wild, alongside fellow long-time Hospice supporter Chris Smith.

This year’s match carries extra significance after Curzon Ashton FC recently chose the Hospice as its Charity of Choice for the 2026/27 season.

Brian said: “The recent targeted support for the Hospice by Curzon Ashton FC has given a real spark to this year’s cup game and Curzon will want to win this one.

“However, Mossley AFC will be keen to lift the trophy and make it a hat-trick of wins, having beaten both Droylsden AFC last year and Glossop North End AFC the year before.”

Mossley AFC chairman Stephen Porter commented: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Willow Wood Hospice Cup game again this year and proud to continue our support for the work the Hospice does.

“I want the spectators to enjoy a good game and the Hospice to receive some donations for their work, but I hope our lads get the cup to stay at Seel Park for a third year, even though it will be hard against a good Curzon Ashton team.”

Curzon Ashton Community Foundation Manager Mike Smith said: “We really want to win this cup. Our club hopes to make a real difference through the partnership with Willow Wood Hospice and winning this cup will be a great start.

“We’re pleased to partner with the Hospice to help raise awareness and valuable funds. We hope that we can enhance the great work already being done by everyone at Willow Wood and look forward to working with them.”

Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “We are absolutely delighted that Curzon Ashton FC has chosen us as its Charity of Choice for the 2026/27 season. But we continue to enjoy the support of Mossley AFC as they host this game. I hope the best team wins.”

As well as providing an entertaining local derby, the match will raise vital funds for Willow Wood Hospice through collection buckets around the ground.

Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Willow Wood provides specialist, compassionate care for people living with any life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop, supporting patients both at the Hospice and in their own homes.

It costs around £11,200 every day to provide its services, with just 22 per cent of its annual funding coming from the government. The remaining 78 per cent must be raised through the generosity of the local community.

The match also serves as an important part of both clubs’ preparations for the 2026/27 season. Alex Craddock’s Mossley AFC will compete in the Northern Premier League West Division, while Adam Barton’s Curzon Ashton begin life in the Northern Premier League Premier Division following last season’s relegation from the National League North on goal difference after an 11-year stay.

Mossley lifted the revived Willow Wood Hospice Cup in both previous editions, beating Glossop North End AFC 2-0 in 2024 before defeating Droylsden FC 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw at Seel Park last summer.

Admission for this year’s fixture is £7 for adults, £5 for concessions, £1 for 12 to 17-year-olds, with free entry for accompanied under-12s.

The winning team will be presented with the Willow Wood Hospice Cup on the pitch immediately after the final whistle.

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Curzon Ashton teams up with Willow Wood Hospice for season of support

Curzon Ashton and Willow Wood Hospice staff and mascots

A new partnership between Curzon Ashton FC and Willow Wood Hospice is set to make a big impact both on and off the pitch.

The Tameside football club has chosen the hospice as its Charity of Choice for the 2026/27 season.

The partnership will see The Nash support Willow Wood through a series of fundraising events and awareness campaigns across the season to bring fans, players, staff and the wider community together for a cause close to home.

Both organisations are based in Ashton-under-Lyne and play an important role in the local community.

Curzon Ashton is preparing for life in the Northern Premier League Premier Division next term, while the hospice continues to provide specialist palliative and end-of-life care for patients with any life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop.

Supporters can expect plenty of activity both on and off the pitch throughout the season.

Plans already include a 10k sponsored walk in July involving club directors, players, staff and fans, as well as a dedicated charity matchday where players will wear Willow Wood Hospice t-shirts during the warm-up. The fixture will also feature a hospice information stall and a signed shirt raffle.

Other fundraising ideas include a Charity Quiz Night at the stadium and a sponsored ‘Stop Out to Help Out’, where participants will camp overnight on the pitch to raise money for the hospice.

Mike Smith, the Foundation Manager at Curzon Ashton FC, said the club hopes to make a real difference through the partnership.

“We’re pleased to partner with the hospice to help raise awareness and valuable funds. We hope that we can enhance the great work already being done by everyone at Willow Wood and look forward to working with them,” he said.

For Willow Wood Hospice, the partnership is another example of how local organisations can support the charity.

Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Curzon Ashton FC has chosen us as its Charity of Choice for the 2026/27 season. As two organisations rooted in Tameside and committed to supporting our local community, this partnership feels like a perfect match.

“The support from Curzon Ashton will not only help raise vital funds but also increase awareness of the care and support we provide to patients and families across Tameside and Glossop. Partnerships like this truly make a huge difference.”

It currently costs around £11,200 a day to run Willow Wood, with only 22 per cent of the hospice’s annual funding coming from the government. The remaining income must be raised through donations, fundraising and community support.

With football fans known for backing their teams through thick and thin, both the club and the hospice hope the local community can get firmly behind the partnership in the months ahead.

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Football Night nets record amount for hospice care

The sixth annual Football Night fundraiser has raised over £9,000 to support local patients and families at the Hospice.

The record-breaking amount – almost double last year’s total – was made possible thanks to the generosity of footballing legends, supporters, and dedicated volunteers.

More than 200 football fans from across Tameside gathered on Friday 26th September for an evening of laughter, memories and behind-the-scenes stories from Manchester City greats Joe Corrigan MBE, David White and Brian Horton.

Hosted by former top-flight referee Roger Dilkes, the event – held at Dukinfield Masonic Hall for the third successive year – proved to be a huge hit, with the audience enjoying candid and entertaining insights from the trio of City stars.

Over the years, a host of football favourites – including Martyn Buchan, Peter Barnes, Eamon O’Keefe, Trevor Ross, Ella Toone, Alex Williams MBE and Tommy Booth – have appeared free of charge to help raise vital funds for the Hospice. This year was no different, with the three City legends ensuring the night was one to remember.

Former professional goalkeeper and Manchester FA ambassador Allan Grafton MBE once again played a crucial role in securing the support of the footballing guests.

Around 200 people enjoyed a trip down football memory lane at Dukinfield Masonic Hall

The Football Night is organised each year by long-time Hospice supporters Brian Wild and Chris Smith, who have together raised more than £40,000 for Willow Wood since Chris’s wife was cared for at the Hospice in 2013.

Former Tameside Civic Mayor and Hospice patron Brian Wild said: “We’re all volunteers and even the pie and peas for 200 guests are made at home by Cllr Denise Ward, at her own expense. We aimed to raise £7,000 but this result is just astonishing. Chris and I are so pleased this money will go straight towards providing compassionate and dignified care for people across Tameside and Glossop.”

“The Football Night always sells out, and the tickets get snapped up quickly. I take my hat off to the sportspeople who give up their time to entertain and support the Hospice. Many people here have a personal connection to Willow Wood, and this event shows how deeply the Hospice touches local lives.”

Much of the fundraising success also came from the wider community, with sponsorship and donations from local businesses including Cosmo Bingo (Stalybridge), Bay Freight, Manchester Credit Union, APEX Joinery, Lo-Cost Windows and Hyde Accessible Transport Ltd, among others.

Lucy Ta’ati, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Without people like Brian and Chris organising these events, Willow Wood would not be able to continue offering the care and support our community needs. We are truly grateful for their incredible dedication and for the generosity of everyone who supported this year’s Football Night.”

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Spotkick success sees Mossley retain Willow Wood Hospice Cup

Mossley AFC lifted the trophy for the second successive year as the Willow Wood Hospice Cup match raised £252.17 in support of the Hospice.

After a goalless 90 minutes at a sunny Seel Park, the Lilywhites came out on top 4-2 in a penalty shootout against Droylsden FC as both teams continued their pre-season preparations last Saturday (12th July).

Supporters were able to purchase raffle tickets and make a donation in collection buckets at the ground to the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which cares for patients with any life-limiting illness in Tameside and Glossop.

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup was an annual fixture in the Tameside and Glossop non-league football calendar for a number of years.

After a hiatus, it was revived last year by former councillor and Civic Mayor of Tameside, Brian Wild, and fellow long-time supporter of the Hospice, Chris Smith.

Mossley hosted the occasion this year after beating Glossop North End AFC 2-0 last year at the Asgard Engineering Stadium as the cup made a triumphant return.

Brian Wild (left) and Roger Dilkes representing the Hospice at Mossley AFC.
Brian Wild (left) and Roger Dilkes representing the Hospice at Mossley AFC.

Lucy Ta’ati, Community and Events Fundraiser, said: “A huge thank you to both clubs, our patron Brian Wild and Roger Dilkes for representing the Hospice, and everyone who attended for their support.

“We’re grateful to all those who bought a raffle ticket or dropped a donation in the bucket. Every contribution helps us continue caring for our patients and those closest to them.”

Brian Wild, patron of the Hospice, commented: “We didn’t see many goals but, on a sweltering hot day in Tameside, it was a brilliant game of football. Thank you to Mossley AFC for their excellent hospitality.

“I’m so pleased to see the Willow Wood Hospice Cup growing in momentum again. It’s more than about football – it’s about the community coming together to support an important local cause.”

Stephen Porter, Mossley AFC’s chairman, added: “We were delighted to host this year’s Willow Wood Hospice Cup match and proud to continue supporting the amazing work the Hospice does for local people.

“Thank you to fans of both teams for their generosity and getting behind the occasion.”

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Tameside rivals to face off in Willow Wood Hospice Cup clash

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup will be up for grabs again when Mossley AFC face Droylsden FC in a pre-season friendly.

The local Tameside rivals will meet on Saturday 12th July at Seel Park on Market Street (postcode OL5 OES), with kick-off at 3pm.

The shiny trophy will be presented to the winning team on the pitch at the end of the game.

Admission will be £6 for adults, £4 for concessions, £1 for 12 to 17-year-olds and free for accompanied Under-12s.

There will be a raffle and collection buckets on the day around the ground, which will help to raise funds for the Hospice.

The match is not only an important part of the teams’ preparations for the 2025/26 campaign but also an opportunity to show their support for Willow Wood, which cares for patients from their local community.

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup was a key feature of the Tameside and Glossop football scene for a number of years.

After a hiatus, it was revived last year by former councillor and Civic Mayor of Tameside, Brian Wild, and fellow long-time supporter of the Hospice, Chris Smith.

Mossley AFC beat Glossop North End AFC 2-0 at the Asgard Engineering Stadium so now it’s their turn to host the occasion.

Former Glossop and Mossley player Ben Richardson presenting the cup to Mossley captain Mark Lees in 2024
Former Glossop and Mossley player Ben Richardson presenting the cup to Mossley captain Mark Lees in 2024.

Brian, who is a patron of the Hospice, said: “We’re delighted that the Willow Wood Hospice Cup is back for the second successive year and, after Mossley’s victory last year, they will be looking to win the trophy again.

“The match is a brilliant way to bring the community together and support Willow Wood. Please come along to the game if you can and look out for the collection buckets. Every penny you can give will be greatly appreciated and help make a difference to patients cared for by the Hospice.”

Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to patients with any life-limiting illness from Tameside and Glossop and those closest to them.

It costs the Hospice around £10,000 a day to keep providing its vital services – 70 per cent of which are provided by its Community Services team at the Hospice and in a patient’s own home.

Willow Wood only receives 24 per cent of its annual income from the government – the remaining 76 per cent must be raised through the generosity of the local community through donations, organising or supporting fundraising events, donating or buying goods in the Hospice’s eight charity shops, or playing the weekly lottery.

Mossley AFC, now under new manager Alex Craddock, will compete in the Northern Premier League West Division when the campaign begins.

Meanwhile, Dave Pace’s Droylsden team will once again play in the North West Counties Division One North after losing 2-0 to Euxton Villa in last season’s play-off final.

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Willow Wood Day at Ashton United

Ashton United Football Club has organised a dedicated ‘Willow Wood Day’ to support the Hospice.

Their matchday on Saturday 29th March against Hebburn Town will be turned into a fun day at Hurst Cross with raffles, auctions and activities to enjoy – all while raising vital funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

Volunteers from Willow Wood will also be there with collection buckets and to provide more information about the Hospice to spectators.

Ahead of kick-off at 3pm, the club will open at midday on the day. There will be a darts competition event in the clubhouse and a raffle which will be drawn at half-time – with prizes including a signed Ashton United FC shirt.

There are also three hospitality packages still available for four people at a cost of £120 plus VAT – these include matchday tickets and pie and peas.

The club will be donating all profits from the match to the Hospice based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which provides specialist, compassionate and palliative care to patients from Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness.

The co-chairmen of Ashton United have had a personal connection to the Hospice and wanted to support Willow Wood as part of the club’s ongoing work to support good causes in the community.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Ashton United FC, in conjunction with our charity arm Ashton United in the Community, work with many partners in the Tameside area to support good causes and promote health and wellbeing in our local community.

“Willow Wood Hospice are dependent on fundraising events and donations to survive and therefore we decided we would like to do something special to help.

“We have all been affected by family members requiring care and in fact Johnny Burke, the father/grandfather of our Co-Chairmen David and Jonathan Burke, who incidentally holds the record for the most appearances for Ashton United was recently cared for in Willow Wood before he unfortunately passed away and so this became even more personal for them and the club.

“We hope that by donating all profits from our game against Hebburn Town on Saturday 29th March we can make a real difference.

“We now need the support of local people, whether they support Ashton United or not, to come along to the game, get involved in the things that are going on and make the day a massive success.”

The Hospice says it is grateful for the support of the club, which will help make a difference.

“We would like to thank our friends at Ashton United for dedicating this special matchday to support us,” said Joanne Lees, Willow Wood’s Partnership Development Lead.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for us to help spread the word about what we do and raise awareness about the essential services we provide. We hope as many people as possible can attend and raise vital funds to support hospice care.”

Tickets for the match are £12 for adults, £8 for over-65s, students and concessions, and £1 for under-12s. They can be bought on the gate on the day or online in advance at ashtonunited.co.uk

Anyone interested in the remaining hospitality packages can contact andyc@ashtonunited.co.uk

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Hospice partners with Stalybridge Celtic for exciting legends match

We are delighted that a football match with a difference this weekend will be dedicated to supporting Willow Wood Hospice.

Spectators will be able to take a trip down memory lane as they enjoy watching players of yesteryear from both Stalybridge Celtic and Manchester United.

It also offers a rare opportunity for younger fans to see a glimpse of the former United players who boast extensive trophy-winning and international experience from their careers.

The likes of Wes Brown, Phil Bardsley, Russell Beardsmore, David May, Luke Chadwick and Keith Gillespie will be gracing the turf wearing the famous United shirt.

For Celtic – coached on the day by legendary former Stalybridge boss Phil Wilson – among those returning to familiar territory will be Karl Marginson, Tony Sullivan, Matty McNeil, Dominic Crookes and Mark Burrell.

The ‘legends’ game is at Stalybridge’s Bower Fold ground, off Mottram Road (postcode SK15 2RT), on Sunday 6th October, with kick-off at 2pm.

Whilst taking in the footy, you can also make a difference to patients with life-limiting illnesses across Tameside and Glossop who need our expert care.

There will be an information stall where you can find out more about the Hospice’s vital work and buckets for which any cash donations, however small, will be gratefully received.

Keep an eye out for our popular mascot, Woody, who may also put in an appearance – weather permitting (like most of us, he doesn’t like rain!)

Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to link up with Stalybridge Celtic and appreciate the club’s ongoing support.

“Football clubs are embedded within the fabric of our community. This weekend’s exciting game is a fantastic opportunity for us to help raise awareness of the many services the Hospice provides and that the generosity of the public is vital for us to keep running.

“We hope as many people as possible can attend on Sunday and that we can continue our partnership with the brilliant team at Stalybridge Celtic moving forward.”

Stalybridge Celtic’s Commercial Director Steve Dewsnip added: “The team at Willow Wood Hospice do a fantastic job and have touched the lives of so many people throughout Tameside in a positive way over the last 25 years.

“By bringing exciting events such as the Legends game this coming weekend to Tameside, we are trying to do exactly the same and so it made perfect sense to invite Willow Wood to be our charity partner for this game.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Willow Wood and look forward to collaborating on further community initiatives in the future.”

Tickets for the match are in demand but still available to buy online at https://www.stalyceltictickets.co.uk/event/stalybridge-celtic-legends-xi-vs-manchester-unit-5iw14p

The Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Manchester United will also be screened in Stalybridge Celtic’s matchday supporters bar in Grays Now.