Tournament is being held to support a former player living with MND
A walking football tournament in Hull will help support a former player Paul Hartley, right, who is living with MND(Image: supplied image)
There is a new date and some big names now in place for a rescheduled charity walking football tournament in Hull. Cottingham Rangers Walking Football (WF), in conjunction with East Riding County WF, first tabled the event for early January, the aim being to raise the profile of the game, encourage new players and fundraise for Paul Hartley, an ex-England goalie in the sport who is living with MND.
But poor weather forced the postponement of the day that was set to feature more than 70 players. Now, the tournament is scheduled to run on Friday, February 13.
Performing the kick-off, on two Astro pitches at the University of Hull sports ground, in Inglemire Lane, will be two former Hull City greats Dennis Booth and Ken Wagstaff. Hull North and Cottingham MP Diana Johnson will also be in attendance.
Steve Cliff, a member of Cottingham Rangers WF, said: “We were all gutted on that morning when the tournament had to be called off. Everyone had put so much hard work in.
“But I said it’s still going to happen, it’s just a matter of when. Now we have the confirmed date of February 13.”
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Steve originally had a target of £1k in mind to help Paul, a walking footballer who appeared for clubs such as North Ferriby WF and East Riding County WF and whose playing achievements included travelling as the support goalkeeper for the England 60+ team in the IWFF World Championships and other international tournaments. “Now I’m thinking £2k or above,” said Steve.
“There are a lot of people in the walking football family out there who have known him. I’ve been putting plenty of posts out there about it.”
He said: “The university has told us the car parks will be free opposite the Astro pitches, and the large car park at the back, which is great news for us.” Spectators and supporters have been encouraged to turn out in force for the event.
Five teams will be competing on the day – Cottingham Rangers A; Cottingham Rangers Select; East Riding; Hornsea and Ferriby/ Hessle. Cottingham is a mixed ability club, for players aged over 50.
Steve previously said: “This will be a great tournament, with some first-class players. If anyone wants to see how the game is played and is even at some point thinking about joining our clubs, they are very welcome to come along – and they may wish to donate on the day to the fund for Paul as well, a fantastic cause.
“Cottingham Rangers WF is massive now – and growing every week. We’re all about positive mental health and wellbeing.
“Walking football is a family and we will always try to help each other out.” WF fundraising achievements locally since 2023 have seen almost £8,000 donated to support various causes, including Alzheimer’s and dementia; Candlelighters; the Kevin Sinfield MND walk and Hornsea Inshore Rescue.
The sum of £1,077 was donated to Roux’s Army – a charity was inspired by Hessle boy Roux Owen, who was born with a brain tumour the size of two oranges – and £500 also went to Steve Leake, a walking footballer who has played for Hessle and has a tumour on the brain. Cottingham Rangers AFC formed its first walking football team in the summer of 2015.
The squad comprises around 50 players, the oldest of whom is 80, and ranges from complete beginners to more experienced footballers. Cottingham Rangers WF offers opportunities for competitive matches locally and further afield, including the occasional competition abroad.