Tag: Football

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

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.

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Big Football Night Fundraiser for Willow Wood

An evening of funny stories, memories and fun with well-known footballers past and present will be held in Tameside in aid of Willow Wood Hospice.

The fifth annual Willow Wood Football Night takes place at Dukinfield Masonic Hall on Friday 1st November from 8pm.

Over the years, football favourites such as Martyn Buchan, Peter Barnes, Eamon O’Keefe, Trevor Ross and Tommy Booth have appeared to help raise money for the Hospice.

This year, Manchester United and England star Ella Toone will tell her fascinating story of being a lifelong United fan and how she joined the club as a junior before moving because there wasn’t a senior women’s team at the time.

Spells at Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City followed, as she progressed through England’s Under-17s and Under-19s levels before returning to United in 2018 when they re-introduced a women’s team.

Also part of the line-up is former Manchester City goalkeeper Alex Williams MBE, who will explain his life in football and the work he went to specialise in after his days between the posts for City.

Ex-City kitman and club legend Les Chapman will be appearing, with some hilarious stories from inside the City dressing room. As a midfielder, he played in the Football League between 1966 and 1987, making 749 appearances, before spells in coaching with Stockport County, Preston North End, Huddersfield Town and Manchester City.

Completing the guest list is Joe Bunney, who played in the Football League for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Hartlepool United and Rochdale as well as at non-league level for Ashton United, Macclesfield and Lancaster City among others.

Joe, who still plays today, has a wealth of information about the life of a player earning a living in the sport and insight into the difficulties and opportunities faced by young footballers.

They will be in conversation with former top-flight referee Roger Dilkes, who will be the Master of Ceremonies for the night.

The popular event is organised by Brian Wild and Chris Smith, who are long-time supporters of Willow Wood.

They are hoping to raise a record £5,000 this year for the Hospice – which provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to patients from Tameside and Glossop with life-limiting illnesses.

“We’ve raised thousands for the Hospice over the years and many people have a real connection with the work the Hospice does – it touches almost every family at some point of their lives,” said Brian Wild, who is a patron of the Hospice.

“The Football Night always sells out early and the tickets get snapped up. I take my hat off to these sportspeople that give up their time for free to entertain the 200-plus audience.”

Vanessa Murphy-Wood, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “Without people like Brian and Chris organising these events, Willow Wood would not continue to operate so we cannot thank them enough.

“Putting on these events make a massive difference. If you’re a football fan, or just want a good night out, please get a ticket if you can and help support the Hospice.”

Tickets are £15 each, which includes pie and mushy peas, and can be bought by calling 0161 718 7911.

LISTEN: Click on the play button below to hear Brian and Chris speaking to Tameside Radio’s Alex Cann all about the event…

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Willow Wood Hospice Cup makes triumphant return

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup made a triumphant return on Tuesday night in Glossop.

Glossop North End AFC and Mossley AFC faced off in a pre-season friendly at the Asgard Engineering Stadium last night, with the shiny trophy at stake.

Around 140 spectators came through the turnstiles and raised around £100 by donating through collection buckets at the bar in the clubhouse, at the refreshments hut and as our volunteers made their way around the ground.

The Hospice’s familiar tree logo was a visible presence as supporters were also able to read a copy of the latest Willow Wood Hospice Together Newsletter and find out more about the vital services Willow Wood provides to the communities of Tameside and Glossop.

Glossop chairman Dave Atkinson and Mossley chairman Stephen Porter posed for a pre-match photo with the cup, before the players and match officials followed suit just before kick-off.

Once the action got under way, Mossley AFC ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals in each half from Obua Mugalula and a trialist.

The rain started to pour towards the end of the game, but it did not dampen spirits as former Glossop and Mossley player Ben Richardson presented the cup to Mossley captain Mark Lees to lift aloft.

It was particularly poignant for schoolteacher Ben, who wanted to support the occasion after his mother received end-of-life care at the Hospice last year.

Glossop North End chairman Dave Atkinson said: “We were really proud to support the Hospice by hosting the game at Surrey Street and pleased to see this trophy has been revived by former Hospice Trustee Brian Wild and long-time Willow Wood supporter Chris Smith.

“The two local clubs may have been competing against each other on the pitch, but they were united in their support for the Hospice.”

Brian Wild commented: “We were delighted to revive the Willow Wood Hospice Cup. It’s been missing from the local football scene for too long and it will become an annual fixture in the local football calendar once again.”

Mossley AFC chairman Stephen Porter said: “We may have won the cup and the players from both teams put up a great fight to make for an entertaining game, but Willow Wood Hospice deals daily with people meeting tougher challenges. Football clubs, like Glossop and Mossley, are at the heart of communities and the Hospice is a vital part of many people’s lives.”

Images credit with permission: Steve Dyson/Glossop North End AFC

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Hospice Cup returns as Glossop face Mossley

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup will be up for grabs when Glossop North End AFC face Mossley AFC in a pre-season friendly.

The local rivals will meet on Tuesday 9th July at the Asgard Engineering Stadium on Surrey Street in Glossop, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

Admission will be £5 for adults, £3 for senior citizens and £1 for children.

There will be a raffle and collection buckets on the night which will help to raise funds for the Hospice.

Brian Wild, a patron of the Hospice, said: “The Willow Wood Hospice Cup was always a key feature of the Tameside and Glossop football scene and this game sees the trophy back in business in style.”

Both teams are looking forward to the match, which is not only an important part of their preparations for the 2024/25 campaign but also an opportunity to show their proud support of the Hospice which cares for patients from their local community.

Dave Atkinson, chairman of Glossop North End AFC, commented: “We are really pleased to have been chosen to be part of this historic revival of the Willow Wood Hospice Cup. I am really looking forward to what should be a great game against Mossley.”

Mossley AFC’s chairman Steve Porter said: “We are proud to support the amazing work that Willow Wood does in our local community. It’s a wonderful charity which will support so many families in Tameside and Glossop at some stage in their lives.

“We are delighted to be part of what promises to be a great occasion.”

Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, is a leading provider of free, specialist palliative care for patients with any life-limiting illnesses in Tameside and Glossop. Throughout 2023, the Hospice provided care and support for almost 700 local people.

Glossop North End will compete in the North West Counties League Premier Division next season, while Mossley AFC will play in the Northern Premier League Division One West.