The tournament will pit Exemplar Health Care homes against other local teams to raise money for The Matt Hampson Foundation.
The event will take place from 11AM on 7 July 2024 at the Robert Martin Sports Ground and will consist of eight teams made up of Exemplar Health Care colleagues and residents from Eastlands, Meadowcroft, Willowbeck and Yarningdale care homes, to compete for the coveted ‘Bernie Smith Cup’ trophy.
It will also include Regional Director of Operations, James Rowley, as player manager.
The teams have already started to establish their presence in the tournament, by creating badges and giving themselves nicknames, such as Riley’s Rangers and Ward’s Warriors.
They’ll also be joined by a team from a local pub and an all stars charity team from the sports ground to compete for the winner’s trophy. The trophy itself has been named after Yarningdale resident and major football fan, Bernie Smith, who’s disabilities mean he is unable to participate in the games but will still have a connection to the tournament.
Residents from the four participating homes are set to manage the teams on the day and have already begun to learn songs and make banners to display from the stands whilst cheering on their team.
The Matt Hampson Foundation provides advice, support, relief and treatment for anyone aged 16 or over suffering serious injury or disability, which has primarily arisen from participation in or training for any sport or sporting activity.
The tournament is expected to bring in an excited crowd to watch some brilliant football action throughout the day, whilst bringing together the community and fundraising for a great cause.
Alison Walvin, Yarningdale’s Home Manager, shared:
“The Bernie Smith Cup is more than just a football match to us, and we’re excited to bring people together to fundraise for an amazing charity.
“We’re well and truly football mad at Yarningdale, so the excitement around this event is huge, almost as much as the Euros. The Matt Hampton Foundation does incredible work, and we’re proud to support them.”
Spectators are encouraged to attend and entry is free. There will also be various charity activities throughout the day, including a raffle with prizes such as afternoon tea for two, a hair voucher and more. All proceeds raised will go directly to the foundation.
Those wanting to register their interest and keep up to date on the event can do so through the home’s Facebook event.
