Would you like to take part in a football match on the Riverside Stadium pitch just 24 hours after Boro’s final match of the season? That’s the unique chance football fans are being given if they make the highest bids to take part in a 90-minute 11-a-side game on Monday May 12 – and raise funds for charity into the bargain.
Father Paul Farrer of the Holy Name of Mary and St Thomas More parishes is organising the game with a team of fellow fundraisers and all profits from this event will be donated to Baghdad Children’s Cancer Hospital in Iraq.
Former Boro favourite Mark Proctor has already agreed to skipper one of the the sides, while World Cup referee George Courtney will officiate. At the time of writing there are bids from local celebrities Mark Page and Fr John Paul Leonard who is being sponsored by his parish. (Note from the editor – That’s a hint. If you really want to make the most of this fabulous opportunity get your friends and colleagues to sponsor you.)
The fans’ match is just one of a series of events being organised by Father Paul and friends as he looks to raise £40,000 for charity during 2008 to mark his 40th birthday in October. See page three for more details.
Budding football stars (who must be aged 18 or over) can bid now to play in set positions in the fans’ match by emailing bids of at least £150 to frpaul@holynameandstthomasmore.org.uk
Bidders should put the position in which they would like to play in the title of their email. They will be emailed back to let them know if they are the highest bidder. The organisers would also like to hear from those who would prefer to play only 30 or 45 minutes. Again, bids should be made by email.
Top bids can also be checked on Boro’s official website mfc.co.uk (under the ‘Play Football at the Riverside Stadium’ link).
The final date for bids is Friday April 23 2008.