FOOTBALLERS from league teams across the North will go head-to-head with the general public in a charity golf contest.
Middlesbrough Football Club has committed to the inaugural Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) tournament by pledging a team, with others expected to follow soon.
David Hodgson, former Liverpool striker and manager of Darlington FC, came up with the idea and set about pulling together friends and former colleagues from his long career, both on the field and off it.
The event, which takes place at Rockliffe Hall, near Darlington, on Wednesday September 5th, will raise money for GNAAS, which covers the North-East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire. All of the league teams from this area have been invited to play.
Mr Hodgson said: “I just wanted to do something to help this fantastic cause. Hopefully, by bringing the footballing community together, we can raise plenty of money to keep the helicopters flying.
“I’ve spoken to players and management from all the clubs in the region about playing. I know from my playing days that the competition between the clubs will be fierce. We are hoping to make this an annual event and a real fixture in the North’s sporting calendar.”
Mr Hodgson is also offering the naming rights of the winners’ trophy to the highest bidder.
Ruth Davey, of GNAAS, said: “Having professional football teams playing will certainly bring an extra competitive edge to proceedings, but we are hoping to attract plenty of groups of friends, businesses and organised groups to take part as well.”
A team of four costs £500 and includes breakfast, 18 holes of championship golf and a two-course evening meal designed by Rockliffe’s award-winning chef Kenny Atkinson.
Breakfast is from 10.30am, golf starts at 1pm, and the evening meal will commence at 7.30pm. Following the meal there will be entertainment, an auction and a raffle.
Sponsors are needed for prizes throughout the day, including longest drives and nearest the pins, plus team and individual trophies. Any auction or raffle prizes would be gratefully received.
For more information, please contact Ms Davey at the Great North Air Ambulance on 01325-487263 or email Ruth@greatnorthairambulance.co.uk
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