Charity soccer match still going strong

AFTER 29 years, the Marian Avenue Cup Final is still going strong. This year’s charity game between the Leeds Supporters’ Club and the Chelsea Supporters’ team will kick off on Saturday, September 15 at the Fairgreen at 4pm.

 

 

AFTER 29 years, the Marian Avenue Cup Final is still going strong. This year’s charity game between the Leeds Supporters’ Club and the Chelsea Supporters’ team will kick off on Saturday, September 15 at the Fairgreen at 4pm.

Funds raised from the match will be donated to both Clare Youth Services and Ennis Voices of Autism. Before the big game kicks off, there will be even more chances to see some goals with Avenue Ramblers taking on the Avenue B team who played U-13s back in 2007.

Jacko McMahon, who had managed the Avenue B team at that time, will be back on the sidelines for the upcoming fixture. “The players are all coming back together to play and support these two worthy charities. I had great times with the team and I’m delighted to be getting back out there with them. Everyone is looking forward to pulling on their soccer boots and getting out there on the pitch. The guys we are playing against have a good side but we have a chance,” he said.

There is plenty of excitement on the pitch expected for the main fixture the Leeds Supporters’ Club are the current holders of the cup, while the Chelsea Supporters’ team are four time winners.

“They will be putting on a serious game, it will be a good game and we are expecting a good crowd to come along and show their support. And there will be a special man of the match for each game,” said Jacko.

He recalled that the Marian Avenue Cup Final is now 29 years in existence. “Back in 1983, Avenue Ramblers played Avenue Wanderers to raise money for Greenpeace and since then, it’s just kept on going, raising money for various charities with the games. We definitely didn’t think it would last this long when we first started. It’s become a great social event more than anything else and of course, we are helping to raise money for charity and awareness of the fantastic work these organisations do.”

The winners will be presented with the cup in Mickey Kerin’s pub at 9pm, where there will be music, a barbecue and raffle.

Clare Youth Service CEO, Margaret Slattery, thanked the club on behalf of all staff and young people using the service, “We are delighted that organisers and players are making this contribution to Clare Youth Service.

“We are very conscious of their efforts and the all demands made of them in these times.

“It is a great boost when groups back us in this way and we will be putting the funds to immediate good use for local young people.”

Also benefiting from the event is EVA – Ennis Voices for Autism, a free support group for parents of children with any Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to Gearóid Mannion, secretary for the organisation, they are delighted to receive support from the match.

“EVA hold monthly meetings on the first Thursday of every month to share information in an informal and confidential setting.

“Guest speakers are often invited to provide more ­details for parents on specific areas of interest such as speech and language and other therapies which may be helpful for their children.

“For more information on EVA, text or call 086 8120055,” he added.