A trophy bearing the name of Bob Stokoe, a football legend who helped both Newcastle and Sunderland to FA Cup glory will for a second year help raise cash for young people with mental health difficulties and learning disabilities.
Following the success of last year’s event where an amazing £5,000 was raised for the young people, this year they would love to raise even more to help develop the woodland next to Ferndene into a mindful space with some physical challenges for the young people.
Bob was born in Mickley, Northumberland. He played for Newcastle United for 13 years, including in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 1955. He went on to manage Sunderland AFC, leading them to triumph in the 1973 FA Cup.
Sunderland AFC under 23s will challenge Prudhoe Town FC to keep hold of the Bob Stokoe Shield. The match is in aid of Ferndene, an NHS inpatient centre just on the outskirts of Prudhoe.
Ferndene is run by Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (NTW), one of the country’s largest mental health and disability service providers. The centre supports children and teenagers with complex health, behavioral, and emotional needs, including those with a learning disability.
Sunderland AFC Football Academy trains it’s under 12s Outreach Centre players at Ferndene. It was this link that last year sparked the idea for a fundraising football match for the Bob Stokoe Shield. All the proceeds from the match will go towards sports facilities and equipment for the young people at the centre.
The match is at Prudhoe’s Kimberley Park on Friday 4 May. Gates open at 5.30pm and kick-off is at 6.30pm.
Tickets are only £4 for adults and £1 for children. They are available from the following places:
• Ferndene Hospital (9am to 8pm): please phone 01661 838 400
• Prudhoe Town Community Centre: Please speak to Brian on 0785 577 1335
• Prudhoe Town Council Centre: call 01661 835 487
In the event of a cancellation all money will be refunded with a valid ticket.