News

Football stars unite for event

17 July 2007

Charities benefit from four-team tournament

A FOUR-TEAM 11-a-side- tournament was held at the Archibald Stadium, Belmont, Durham, to raise money for charity.

Big names at the event included ex-England player Peter Beardsley, Sunderland’s Kevin Ball, Newcastle’s John Beresford, Steve Howey and Rob Lee.

The four teams – Newcastle, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool – went head-to-head to raise money for the Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund, Grace House, Willow Burn Hospice and the Finlay Cooper Fund.

The Soccer Legends event was held over two days with the main event 11-a-side tournament followed by a Gala dinner at the Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham and a golf day at Ramside Golf Club.

The brainchild of Austin Carney and Richard Ord, Soccer Legends included an auction and raffle with exclusive prizes, such as a signed David Beckham and Sunderland shirt.

Austin said: “I just happened to ask Richard Ord how often he saw his team-mates and he said rarely, maybe once a year.

“It just seemed to be a good idea to try to bring them together and organise a big event, and try to do it every year. Pre-season time seemed to be the perfect time to do it, as a warm-up for the season.”

Former Sunderland player Ord said: “We managed to put together a tremendous list of players and it was a great day of fun and football for all the family.”

European tour Winner Kenneth Ferrie, who was sixth in the US Open, was teeing off the golf event. Each team featured one of the soccer heroes giving families and friends the chance to enjoy a round of golf with their heroes.

Austin said: “We hope this will be an annual event as we had a massive response.
“The event could never have taken place without all the players, so a massive thank you to all of them for giving up their time.”

Back