MANCHESTER PUB PLANS TO OUT-FOX POLICE – BUT IT’S FOR A GOOD CAUSE

A Manchester pub is preparing to take on local police – not in the line of duty, but on the football pitch – in a charity match aimed at raising vital funds for disadvantaged children across the North West.

The Fox Inn, Blackley will face from Greater Manchester Police in a charity soccer match this Friday (May 15th) .

And despite their opponents fielding a strong squad – including former professional players linked to Bury FC and Manchester City – Fox Inn landlady Laura Burgess says her side is determined to claim victory.

Said Laura: “The idea grew out of the sense of community which sport can create. We can see in our own pub how much sport and in particular football bonds people. Even if their teams are rivals there is a camaraderie in watching games together. And it cuts across all ages.

“We want to take that spirit onto the pitch for this match against GMP. Although I do have to stress – we are playing to win.”

The match forms part of a fundraising drive for Joseph Holt’s annual charity appeal. The 176-year-old Manchester brewery, which operates 127 pubs across the North West, runs the initiative each year as part of its long-standing commitment to supporting local communities. This year’s campaign aims to raise at least £250,000 for charities supporting children and families experiencing hardship, including:

• Francis House Children’s Hospice: which provides specialised care for children with life-limiting conditions and support for their families.
• Derian House Children’s Hospice: which offers respite and end-of-life care to over 400 babies, children, and young people.
  Wood Street Mission: A Manchester/Salford-based charity that helps children and families living on low incomes with practical items.
• Fylde Kids Foundation: which supports children on the Fylde Coast with basic essentials, often assisting with gaps in funding for local schools and youth groups.

And befitting such an important fixture, the game is being held at a significant venue: the Vestacare Stadium on White Bank Road in Oldham.

The match starts at 6.30pm with Everton U21 midfielder Harvey Foster blowing the kick off whistle. No booking is required, and entry at the gate is a suggested donation of £3–£5.