A bidding war to live the dream as a Boro star is set to reach its climax this Friday as supporters try to clinch their place in a charity football match at the Riverside Stadium.
Former Boro stars Mark Proctor – the current boss of Scottish Division One side Livingston – and Steve Vickers will manage the two fans’ teams just 24 hours after Boro’s final match of the season.
With ex-World Cup referee George Courtney officiating, the charity match will be the closest most supporters will ever get to being a pro footballer.
As a result, fans have bid between £200 and £400 to take part in the match – but there is still time for last-minute bidders to grab a place in either team.
There will be the chance to get changed and prepare for the match in the first team dressing rooms, to run out of the tunnel to the sound of Boro’s ‘Pigbag’ theme tune and hear your name called out over the Riverside PA system.
Local kit and leisurewear supplier MSV Sport have kindly agreed to supply all kit for the day. All shirts will carry names and numbers before being donated to the lucky players.
Boro fans can make cash bids to take part in the 90-minute, 11-a-side game on Monday May 12 – the day after Gareth Southgate’s side end their Premier League season at home to Manchester City.
Father Paul Farrer is organising the game with a team of fellow fundraisers, with all profits to be donated to Baghdad Children’s Cancer Hospital in Iraq.
Wannabe Boro stars can bid now to play in set positions in the fans’ match by emailing bids of at least £210 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 45 minutes. Again, bids should be made by email.
Bids of at least £50 are also now being sought for two mascots for the day.
Top bids can also be checked on Boro’s official website at mfc.co.uk. The final date for bids is 12 midday this Friday (April 25).
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.
Other 40@40 events include a casino night at Judges in Yarm, a Sixties Night at the Marton Hotel and Country Club, a gig at The Knights Club in Middlesbrough and a sponsored bungee jump from the Transporter Bridge.
Anyone interested in any of the fundraising events should contact Fr Paul at the email address above.
Good causes set to benefit include Teesside Hospice, Zoe’s Place, the Ellen Timney Foundation for local underprivileged youngsters and a fund to send the sick on pilgrimage to Lourdes.
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For further information please contact Father Paul Farrer on 07921 749656 or via email on frpaul@holyname&stthomasmore.org.uk or Dave Allan on 07711 025 009.