Much-loved players of both Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday will represent their former clubs in a charity padel extravaganza in aid of Weston Park Cancer Charity next month.
Billy Sharp in Blades colours, Marvin Johnson representing the Owls, Liam Cooper captaining Leeds United - a charity event next month will roll it back a few years as former players of six Yorkshire clubs will face-off in a Sheffield padel tournament.
The ‘Yorkshire Clasico’ will pull together teams from both Steel City sides, Leeds, Doncaster Rovers, Rotherham United and Barnsley, with four current or former players pulling on their colours in front of what is hoped to be a vibrant watching crowd. The tournament will raise vital funds for Weston Park Cancer Charity and their Rochelle Baxter Fund, which contributes to the Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service.
Sheffield Wednesday
Wednesday’s team has been named and is set to be skippered by Barry Bannan and current club captain Liam Palmer, with first team coach Giles Coke also lacing up his trainers. They’ll be joined by League One promotion heroes Lee Gregory, Aden Flint and Marvin Johnson.
Palmer, who recently went past the 500-appearance mark for his boyhood club, said: “As a local lad, and having spent my career almost entirely at Wednesday I know the importance of Weston Park Cancer Hospital to Sheffield. And we’ve all heard many times of the incredible work they do not just here in Sheffield, but across the whole region.
“So whilst I’m sure all the lads will want to win and get ‘one up’ on the other teams, the important thing is we raise as much money and awareness as we possibly can for the ‘Teenage Unit’ at the hospital. Every pound we raise will go towards supporting the kids who are going through the toughest of times and we want to make sure we do all we can to help these kids whilst they need it the most.”
Sheffield United
A name synonymous with the Blades is Billy Sharp, who will strap on the captain’s armband once more to lead a side also including Mark Duffy and Matt Kilgallon, with another United hero yet to be confirmed.
Sharp said: “I’m proud to be captaining the Sheffield United team for the evening and while it’s all for an incredible cause… we’re in it to win it. It’s set to be a competitive, high-energy event, and I’m really looking forward to getting involved, seeing some quality matches, and bringing people together for a great night.
“Most importantly, this event is about supporting Weston Park and the vital work they do for our community. The impact they have on individuals and families across the region is huge, and it’s something that means a lot to me personally. If we can raise awareness, funds, and bring people together while doing it, that’s what it’s all about.”
The rest
South Yorkshire is well represented, with Lee Camp confirmed as a Rotherham player, David McGoldrick set to take the lead for Barnsley and Owen Bailey leading Doncaster. A Leeds United side has Brian Deane, Adam Forshaw and Seb Carole signed up and will be skippered by current Owls figure Liam Cooper, who said: “Padel has become really big and so the opportunity to play against former teammates, rivals and some legends was one I was never going to turn down.
“As captain of the Leeds United team we’ll be going all out for the win but I can’t lie, it’s going to feel a bit weird going up against my current teammates at Wednesday. Obviously, it quickly got very competitive and so there’ll be some games I’m looking forwards to watching as things have started to get a bit spicy in the group chat!”
What it’s all about
This event promises an intimate and high energy padel experience for fans, showcasing elite padel in a unique and vibrant setting. Only 200 tickets will be made available to the general public, raising funds for Weston Park Cancer Charity. The tournament will be covered by local and national press, music by a live DJ, a live auction and opportunities for sponsors and prize winners to utilise the courts post tournament.
Liz Purnell, Teenage Cancer Unit Lead Nurse said “The support the Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service receives from Weston Park Cancer Charity allows us to provide support and care to patients over and above funded NHS treatments. The flexible access to this fund allows the TYA team the opportunity to offer hardship grants, peer support, residential trips, as well as activities for patients attending the hospital for their treatments.
“This funding provides patients with the opportunity to access support that isn't available through the NHS, and is tailored to each patient’s individual needs, helping them to better deal with the unique challenges of a cancer diagnosis at a young age."
“Weston Park Cancer Charity are very grateful for the fundraising and awareness FC Padel are providing this Teenage Cancer Awareness Month."
The tournament takes place from 5pm until 8.30pm on May 5 at Sheffield’s Club De Padel on Boyland Street. Tickets to watch the clubs go at it cost £10, with all money going to WPH Teenage Unit. Watch the matches, support your team and meet the players!You can secure your ticket HERE.
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