Players and supporters turned out in force to be part of a big walking football (WF) event in Hull. Cottingham Rangers WF, in conjunction with East Riding County WF, organised the tournament to help raise the profile of the game, encourage new players and also to fundraise for Paul Hartley, an ex-England goalie in the sport who is living with MND.
Performing the kick-off on two Astro pitches at the University of Hull sports ground were two former Hull City greats, Dennis Booth and Ken Wagstaff. Hull North and Cottingham MP Diana Johnson was also in attendance and spoke to launch the event.
Poor weather put off the original intended date for the tournament, in January, but the rescheduled day went off well. 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, made an appearance on the pitch, with Booth and Wagstaff taking penalties against him.
Paul also made an emotional speech via his talking device, and received a cheque from team managers. Five teams were competing on the day – Cottingham Rangers A; Cottingham Rangers Select; East Riding; Hornsea and Ferriby/ Hessle.
Coming up on Friday, March 6, there will be an evening of fundraising with Paul Hartley’s football families at the Walton Club, at 7pm. Proceeds will go towards a GoFundMe appeal set up by Paul’s family to support his journey with MND.
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.