Eccleshall will host a game of football this coming Friday, 16th September, to raise funds for a charity that provides support to young adults with learning difficulties.
The game is being staged to raise funds for Club 101, a group run by a committee of students involved at Trinity Skills for Life, an organisation based in Stone that operates as a training provider for young people in the area with learning disabilities.
Trinity provide training and development opportunities, offering assistance with work skills training and work placement, and other services such as independent living, links with the local community and social activities, and work alongside a group named Club 101, who arrange fundraisers and events to support the young people of Trinity Skills for Life, and provide extra opportunities and activities for young people with learning difficulties to get involved in.
Some of the events that Club 101 have arranged include trips to theme parks and attractions, producing a calendar, providing materials and expertise to produce crafts and purchasing equipment.
The Club's aim is to empower the young people by enabling them to choose how they spend the money that they’ve raised in order to enhance their lives.
Two teams from the group will take part in the football match which, as Eccleshall committee member Richard Marsh explained, came about through Jackie White, the wife of Eccleshall reserve team assistant manager Andy White.
"Jackie has been connected with Trinity for over 10 years, and this appeared to be a natural opportunity for the Club to offer our facilities for this game, as part of our role in the community", said Richard.
"The game will be refereed by our "Touchlines" matchday programme contributor, Geoff Banwell, who in a previous life ran the line in what used to be the First Division of the Football League.
"Former policeman Geoff was also involved with people who had learning difficulties, after he retired from the force.
"The game of students v staff will kick-off at 6.30pm with two 30 minute halves, so hopefully the second half will be played under floodlights which may provide the players with another new experience.
"All will be welcome to come along to support both teams from 6pm. Tickets are available on the gate costing £3, which will go to Club 101, and the bar facilities will be open as usual".
Charity match at Eccleshall