Southport FC will once again be hosting their annual charity match on August 1 as the National League club continue their efforts to raise funds for the families who were impacted by the awful events that took place in the seaside town in the summer of 2024.
Bebe King, aged six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old, Alice da Silva Aguiar were killed in Southport when spending the day at a dance school.
Last year, the event was a massive success, and the club are aiming to make the 2026 event even bigger.
Many high-profile names are involved in this year’s game including a host of former world champions with Tony Bellew , Liam Smith , and Rocky Fielding all set to put on their football boots.
Kieran Malone, the co-owner of the club, has expressed his pride at seeing the local community coming out to support a great cause.
“Since we came to Southport, we’re doing everything we can to give this place a football club the local community can depend on.
“What took place here two years ago will never be forgotten and we’re hoping as many people as possible can turn out on August 1 to honour the victims and raise as much money as possible for the everyone who was affected by what took place.”
Neil Danns, the Southport manager who enjoyed a stellar career at several clubs including Crystal Palace and Leicester City, will also be returning to the pitch for the charity game.
“I played in last year’s game, and it felt so good for the club to be giving something back for a cause which is so important for the people of the town,” said Danns. “This year’s event promises to be even better and it’s great to see this town coming together to remember the victims and to do whatever we can for them.”
Tony Bellew, a fanatical Evertonian, who watches Southport whenever he can, is excited to be swapping his boxing gloves for football boots as he plays in the game for a second-year running.
“It was such a good day out last year,” revealed Bellew. “Seeing so many people come out for such a worthwhile cause was brilliant and I know the people at the club are passionate about bringing the community together again so hopefully it’s even bigger this year.”
Some tickets for the Southport FC charity match at Haig Avenue are still available at the club’s website.
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