St Anne’s match raises £486

On Monday 29th June, the entire St Anne's RC Primary School community came together after school for a memorable charity football match, as a team of parent volunteers took on a team of local priests in the inaugural Parents vs Priests fixture.

The clergy team was captained by their own Parish Priest, Fr Churchill and the event proved to be a fantastic celebration of community spirit, friendly rivalry and an important cause.

The match was organised to raise awareness of men's mental health while also fundraising for Once Upon a Smile, a charity that supports children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The cause was particularly meaningful to the school community following the challenges we have faced during this academic year.

The support from local organisations and the wider community was incredible. Aldwinians RUFC generously marked out and prepared the pitch, while Stretford Paddock FC kindly donated a brand-new football kit for the parents after discovering that the priests already had their own team kit and were clearly taking the match very seriously!

Adding to the occasion, a professional referee officiated the game, leading both teams onto the pitch alongside their young mascots. It was a competitive and entertaining match throughout. The score was finely poised at 1-1 at half-time before the parents pulled away in the second half to secure a 3-1 victory.

The atmosphere around the pitch was just as memorable as the football itself. Families, friends and supporters lined the sidelines with homemade banners, while some of the mums embraced the occasion by arriving as glamorous "WAGs", cheering on their husbands in style. The laughter, encouragement and community pride made the evening one to remember for everyone involved.

Most importantly, together they raised £486.02 for Once Upon a Smile.