CORONATION STREET STARS SUPPORT KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL

Thursday 20 April 2006

On April 19th, on a fine evening at Hyde United's Ewan Ground, Coronation Street stars took to the pitch in a charity fundraising football match against BBC Radio Manchester.

The Coronation Street team was led by former Hyde United skipper Tony Steenson and the stars played a superb match against the formidable BBC Radio Manchester squad who were put together by Bolton Wanderers reporter Jack Dearden.

The match ended in a 1-0 victory to BBC Radio Manchester who scored midway through the first half, courtesy of Andy Ritchie the Barnsley boss and Manchester United ex-striker.

Around 300 people turned out for the event and around £900 was raised for Hyde United who split the proceeds with the Keep Your Eye On The Ball Campaign (run by The PFA, The FA and The Everyman Campaign). As well as raising money for male cancer research, the event also helped to raise vital awareness of testicular and prostate cancer.

Mike Pavasovic, football supporter and organiser of the match said, “It was such a fun evening although the teams were very competitive and both wanted to win. We are so pleased that we were able to raise so much money and hope we’ve also managed to raise more awareness of testicular and prostate cancer.”

Players in the BBC Radio Manchester side included Bolton coach Tony Philliskirk and former Bolton Assistant manager, Phil Brown. The Coronation Street stars all played admirably and included Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall,) Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson,) and Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell.) The players also benefited from the talents of football's oldest physio, 91-year-old Syd Parkinson MBE, who is still working at Barnoldswick Town in the West Lancashire League. Hyde United currently play in Conference North and have Sir Geoff Hurst as their senior vice-president.

The match was broadcast live on BBC Radio Manchester's Becky Want programme and judging by the atmosphere at the ground a good time was had by all - the celebrities even had some time to sign a few autographs! The PFA, The FA and Everyman would especially like to say a big thank you to everyone involved and to Mike Pavasovic for organising the event.

-Ends-

For further information please contact the Everyman Press Office:

Charlotte Muskett, The Everyman Campaign, www.everyman-campaign.org

Tel: 020 7153 5312

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