Charity football match rallies Manchester vs Liverpool rivalries to tackle homelessness

Footballing rivals Manchester and Liverpool will take to the pitch to tackle homelessness later this month as the regions’ Mayors team up with former heroes of the game.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Metro Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram are bringing together former professional football players to raise awareness and bolster the work both regions are doing to tackle homelessness and eradicate rough sleeping.

The match, which kicks off at 7.30pm on Wednesday 30 May at Leigh Sports Village, will raise vital funds for homelessness initiatives in Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region.

The teams will also feature players from Liverpool Homeless FC and Manchester’s E.Quality FC, who have lived experience of homelessness.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Homelessness and rough sleeping is a crisis that is affecting both our city-regions and I’m looking forward to pulling on my football boots to bolster our efforts to tackle it.  

“Football is a great way to bring people together for a common cause and Manchester versus Liverpool always gets the passions going. This is a great opportunity to harness that rivalry for a good cause and raise vital funds to support homelessness initiatives across Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region.”

Metro Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said: “I would encourage everyone to come down on the 30th of May to enjoy a game featuring former players from the great clubs of our two city regions, as well as two outstanding homelessness charities, and up and coming football talents Andy and myself.

“This is a fun event that will raise funds to support the great work these charities do to help people rebuild their lives and help increase awareness of the scourge of homelessness.”

The former football stars taking part will be unveiled over the coming weeks.

Tickets for the game cost £5 for adults and £3 concessionary. Under 16s go free.