This week’s edition of The Eagle Speaks is a little self-indulgent but all for the right reasons.
As some of you will know, I took part in a charity football match at the weekend. I was asked by local football photographer Michael Hulf to join the Hulfie XI to take on the Crawley Town Supporters Association (CTSA) at Horley Town Football Club.
With a little excitement mixed with some trepidation, I dusted off my boots and got my gear ready for my first game in what has been a few years but the most important part of the day was the cause. The Prostate Cancer Research Centre carries out research into the causes of and treatment for the UK’s most frequently diagnosed male cancer.
The centre is based at the University College London and is under the leadership of Professor John Masters. It employs a team of scientists and support staff who need over £1.5 million every year to fund its highly respected research programme. Head over to their site to see what they do, how prostate cancer patients and their families benefit from their work and how you can help to support it.
The Hulfie XI were in good spirits and Michael had done his utmost to make it a special day for everyone involved. Training tops bearing the charity name for the warm up and game shirts including names on the back.
I knew the warm up would test both my fitness and ability. Former Southend United and Millwall player Mark Beard took us through our paces and thankfully, I did not look out of place. My career in local football with Phoenix, Bletchingley and Nutfield had clearly stood me in good stead.
Walking out to a crowd that was swelling to almost 200 with the Champions League theme ringing in our ears was a bit special. The usual pre-match handshakes and team photographs took a little longer than expected but then, the main event.
My game began with a view from the bench which was perfectly fine after my years in the footballing wilderness. The Hulfie XI made all the early running with a few good chances but it was CTSA that took the lead with their first attack of the game. Then I got the call. A run out in a back three midway through the first half until half time and at the start of the second half. A late stint in midfield saw me end the game on the pitch which I was very proud to do so.
The Hulfie XI wearing white shirts, black shorts and black socks fought back in style with four goals before half time. The game was well fought but fair and it ended 4-3 to the Hulfie XI although CTSA took the consolation penalty shoot out for fun.
Former Crawley Town player Sergio Torres was the special guest of the day to present the medals and trophies including his very own special award for his man of the match. Now plying his trade at non-league Whitehawk his appearance was all the more welcome considering his team had lost a cup final the day before.
The game was filmed along with commentary and a highlights package will be online during the course of the week along with photographs of the big day.
To view or buy some pictures from the game head on over to photographer websites for Simon Roe and Terry Buckman.
Organiser Michael spoke to me exclusively after the game;
I could not be more proud than I am right now. We had almost 200 people come through the gate there has been a total of £970 raised so far. It really is a great achievement.
Everyone came together to make it a fantastic day. I could not have asked anymore from those that were involved in putting everything together, donating something to help the cause, spreading the word and being there to watch.
It is definitely something that I will look to make an annual event after the success this year so watch this space. I have already started planning for next year in an attempt to make it bigger and even more successful in every way possible.
You can still donate to the worthy cause, just pop along to the Just Giving page and even if it is just a pound, every little helps.
Finally, a massive thank you to Michael and everyone that took part in what was a massively enjoyable occasion for a fantastic cause. The shirt is likely to be framed as a memento.
