England’s World Cup clash against Norway isn’t the only important match taking place on Saturday
Ryan Mallinson and Alexander Ross are staging the Semi Colon Cup on Saturday, July 11.(Image: Ryan Mallinson)
Two firm friends are preparing to go head-to-head as they stage a charity football match. Ryan Mallinson and Alexander Ross will compete in opposing teams in the ‘Semicolon Cup’, hosted at Haworth Park ground this weekend – right in the build up to England’s World Cup clash with Norway.
The pair have already racked up nearly £1,000 in donations for the Mysterious Minds charity which helps families bereaved by suicide. Ryan and Alexander hit upon the idea of a charity football match having both suffered personal tragedies: Ryan the loss of his uncle by suicide and Alexander the death of his young son.
Two teams will take to the pitch at Haworth Park at 5:30 on Saturday, July 11 for a full 90 minutes of football. Ryan and Alexander will each lead a team comprised of friends and family – many from the Hull Seahawks and Hull Jets ice hockey teams through which the pair became friends.
Ryan’s side – Gundy FC, named after his uncle – and Alexander’s team – Jude FC, after his baby son – will compete in front of spectators at the Hull ground. Around 200 people are following the effort on Facebook, with doors from 4:30pm and £5 paid on the door for those wishing to support.
“We just want to honour our loved ones in a positive way,” explained Ryan, 23. “Hence the team names, Gundy FC and Jude FC. We’ve decided to kit the teams out in Mysterious Minds colours.
“Gundy FC will be wearing blue and Jude FC will be wearing purple – to represent the charity on the pitch.”
The event also comes alongside a sports memorabilia auction – which featured items such as signed shirts and training jerseys donated by Hull KR and player Noah Booth, as well as a Hull Seahawks shirt and some boxing items. All this has raised vital funds for Mysterious Minds, which is a Hull suicide prevention group which offers support to bereaved loved ones and raises awareness of mental health issues. The charity helped Ryan in the wake of his uncle’s death.
Also supporting Saturday’s event is friend and Hull Seahawks commentator Connor Lynn, who will be coordinating the match and ensuring the experience is good for all involved. Meanwhile sponsorship comes from Colscaff and Phil Took Design Flooring with sleeve sponsors Scratches and The Clarry Pub.
Ryan added: “Me and Rossi [Alexander Ross] both love football. He’s really good at it, whereas I’m not. But football has a unique way of bringing people together – as we’ve see through England in the World Cup.
“We’ve done our best with this to make it professional – we’ve taken it very seriously. We want all the people involved to feel like they’ve made a real impact and feel special for doing it.
“And what better way to raise money for charity – a good game for 90 minutes after and then celebrate after.”
You can support Ryan and Alexander’s cause via their GoFundMe page, or by spectating at the match on Saturday.
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