Charity Match Rescheduled

The Merseyside United v All-Stars XI celebrity football match due to take place at Goodison Park has now been rescheduled for May 2010.

The match, due to take place at the on 23 May and organized by CAUSE (Childrens Aid Using Soccer Events), has been postponed following the recent announcement of the Hillsborough Memorial game due to take place at Anfield this Thursday.

Faced with the prospect of asking Merseyside to support two major charity events in the space of just a few weeks, the organisers felt that postponing the game until next year was the right thing to do.

Former Liverpool and Tranmere player Jason McAteer, a founding partner of CAUSE, said: “Whilst we wholeheartedly support Thursday’s game, naturally we’re disappointed to be standing down for the time being - particularly after all the hard work over recent months in signing up so many stars from the world of sport and show business.

“But the simple truth is that it would not only be unfair to place so much pressure on the renowned generosity of Merseyside people, but we are also conscious that staging both games so close together could be confusing to the general public – especially with the crossover of celebrities appearing in both games.

“In the 20th anniversary year of the Hillsborough disaster, the families deserve the support of everyone who wants to see justice prevail.

“By continuing to promote our event, there is a distinct danger we could detract from this week’s game. My colleagues and I firmly believe that rescheduling our event is the correct and proper way of respecting the memory of the Hillsborough victims and we’re sure it can only maximise the important fundraising efforts that will enable the families continue their campaign for justice.”

CAUSE officials explored the feasibility of staging the match at several points throughout this year, but the crowded domestic and international football calendar has proved a stumbling block – a date in May 2010 will be announced in due course.

The Charity has set itself an ambitious target of raising £1 million for deserving local and international charities including Liverpool Unites, The Prince’s Trust, Save the Children and The Rhys Jones Memorial Trust. All proceeds will go directly to the charities involved.

Fans who have already purchased a ticket for this fixture are advised to call the Fan Centre on 0871 663 1878 to receive a full refund.