Former England internationals to star in a charity match between Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and Radio DJ, Mike Sweeney for Salford Lads and Girls Club.
The match is set to take place this Sunday 11 May, at AFC Monton’s New Alder Park with all the raised funds going towards the iconic institution.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and a squad from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will take on a select eleven chosen by Salford DJ Mike Sweeney, all in aid of Salford Lads and Girls Club.
The two men will battle it out on the pitch for charity, and will also be joined by former Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City player-manager and England midfielder, Peter Reid, who will join Burnham’s XI.
While with Manchester United legend and Salford City owner, Paul Scholes, signed for Sweeney’s XI, it is safe to say they have had a busy transfer window.
Entry to the ground will be free, with people able to donate as much as they like to the Lads and Girls Club on the door.
BBC Radio Manchester DJ, Mike Sweeney said: “Salford Lads and Girls Club is incredibly close to my heart and I can’t think of a better cause to put this game to.
“It will be a welcome change switching the battle of the studio to the football pitch where I can flex my international credentials, while raising as much money as we can for this amazing club.”
The 121-year-old institution was saved from closure last year after an appeal raised the £250,000 it needed to keep it running. Donations included £100,000 from Salford City Council and £50,000 from Morrissey to smash the required target in just six weeks.
While the club’s immediate future is safe, a £1m Legacy Fund has been set up to secure the long-term safety of the club, which provides a lifeline to some of the most deprived communities in Greater Manchester.
Donations from the match will provide a vital boost to the Fund and help put the club on a firm footing to keep helping young people for years to come.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Salford Lads and Girls Club is an iconic institution which has provided a lifeline to many of the most vulnerable in our communities. When we were told the club was in real jeopardy last year we knew we had to do all we could to help.
“It was fantastic to see all the money raised in such a short space of time to save the club, but we want to go further to make sure the club is safe and invested in for the future. This is why the legacy fund is so important.”
He continued: “Hopefully Greater Manchester can turn out to see us switch the radio studio for the football pitch and raise some vital funds for the club.”
The fixture is expecting to raise vital funds for the Salford institution, as Laura Slingsby, CEO of Salford Lads Club said: “We’re absolutely thrilled about this weekend’s match between Mayor Andy Burnham and Mike Sweeney, two local legends coming together for a bit of friendly competition, all in support of Salford Lads Club.
“Events like this are more than just a kickabout. They’re a powerful reminder of how much our club means to people across Greater Manchester.”
Laura: “The support we received at the end of last year and into this year has been overwhelming, and it’s given us the momentum we need to keep going. This match is a chance to celebrate that community spirit and to keep raising awareness about why clubs like ours matter.
“The funds raised go into our youth work, culture, and heritage programmes, helping us stay open, relevant, and supporting the next generation.”
The game will kick off at 2pm on Sunday 11 May with the full address of the AFC Monton’s being New Alder Park, off Worsley Road, M30 8JN.
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