Soap stars to put football skills to the test for Walsall charity event
Celebrities from some of the nation's most popular soap operas will be putting their football skills to the test at a charity match in Walsall.
Stars from Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Coronation Street will be lacing up their football boots on Sunday, August 26 in preparation for a competitive game at Rushall Olympic Football Club.
The TV team will be playing against The Midcounties Co-operative, which organised the event.
Soap stars taking part include Ashley Taylor-Dawson and Jacob Roberts, better known as Darren Osborne and Damon Kinsella from Hollyoaks, Alan Halsall who plays Tyrone Dobbs in Coronation Street, and Anthony Quinlan who is Pete Barton in Emmerdale.
Group general manager at The Midcounties Co-operative Alistair Rowland said: "This is the first time we’ve done anything like this and we’re looking forward to seeing if our colleagues are better skilled on the pitch than the stars.
"Teaming up with 12 well-known faces from some of the nation’s favourite soaps is a great way of raising awareness and much-needed funding for the many charity partners we support.
"We’re committed to supporting vulnerable members of the community with exciting and new fundraising initiatives and are hoping to raise thousands of pounds through ticket sales. These funds will help each of the charities to continue their work and support vulnerable people in the area."
Soap lovers and football fans alike will have the chance to meet their favourite celebs at a meet and greet after the match.
They will also have the opportunity to win either a Jet2 Holiday, return flights to any European destination or a city break by taking part in a charity raffle.
Money raised will go towards local charities including sexual exploitation prevention charity Street Teams, Alzheimer support groups ALZ Café and Monthly Alzheimer Support Evenings (MASE), as well as blind and sight loss support centre, Beacon Vision.
Community groups Codsall Village Hall and Rushall Football Club will also receive some of the donations.
The event forms part of the Co-op's regional communities strategy, which sees members and colleagues come together to provide support for local community groups through volunteering and fundraising.
Gates open at midday on August 26 and kick off is at 2pm.
Tickets cost £8 for adults and £5 for children with family discounts also available. There will be food and a bar and free car parking too.
Details and tickets on 07508 398092.
