northerncare would like to thank everyone who took part in our football tournament in partnership with FC United of Manchester on Saturday 1st March 2008. The day was a great success with nearly 100 children and young people aged 10 to 17 years from northerncare homes and from local authority homes including Bury, Salford and Oldham competing to win trophies. Our biggest crowd yet!

Afterwards we were well and truly looked after by everyone at Gigg Lane where FC United play their home games. The trophies along with medals and goody bags for all who took part were presented by two FC United players and northerncare’s Managing Director, Howard Woolfenden. Everyone then watched the Bamber Bridge game which turned out to be one of FC United’s toughest in front of their biggest crowd, packed with northerncare who even got mentioned in the national football papers. The final score was 2-2.

Congratulations to the trophy winners on the day:

The Cup Winners: The Yellow Team from Salford
Runners Up: The Sky Blue Team from Bury

Shield Winners: The Black Team
Plate Winners: The Purple Team

Well done to all who took part and to all the staff who supported and managed the teams on the day.

“Thanks to northerncare and FC United. We all thoroughly enjoyed the day and are looking forward to doing it all again at the next tournament.”

Wendy Powell, Child and Family Worker, Bury LAC Team

“It was clear to see from the expressions on all the young people’s faces how much a day like this makes a difference. It provides a truly positive experience which all our young people can look back on. The value and rewards from such a well run event are evident and clear to see for a long time afterwards.”

Roy Hinchcliffe, Senior Residential Child Care Worker, Salford City Council

“FC United were exceptionally pleased with the turnout for the 1st March football tournament and that the participants are increasing year on year. We are proud to be working in partnership with northerncare, promoting and building links with positive community activities for children and young people.”

Vinny Thompson, Community Development Manager, FC United of Manchester

If children and young people from your local authority would like to get involved in the next tournament, please contact Laura Harvie on freephone 0800 040 7870 for more details.