Andy Burnham to play at Horsforth football match

The Manchester Mayor and former Health Secretary will take part in the event to help Horsforth St Margaret’s FC celebrate its centenary year. Mr Burnham, is a keen sports fan and previously played for New Labour's Demon Eyes football team.

Gary McVeigh-Kaye, head coach of the U12s Hurricanes girls at Horsforth St Margaret’s FC, said Mr Burnham agreed to play after the club approached Jet 2 and Supporting Charities, both of which run charity football teams.

"Whilst I cannot comment specifically on why Andy Burnham has chosen to be part of these charity football teams, I do know he is a keen sports fan and he will be playing for one of the charity teams on Saturday," he said.

He added: "Andy Burnham is not there in a political capacity, but rather as a well-known public figure who has a keen interest in sport and charity fundraising."

Horsforth St Margaret's FC is one of the largest grassroots organisations in the UK, runs four open age sides, an open age women's social team, alongside 100 junior teams with more than 1000 junior boy and girls footballers.

Established in 1921, the club is an important part of the local community and has seen some notable alumni pass through its ranks, including Liverpool’s James Milner and Premier League referee John Moss.

As part of its centenary celebrations, it will hold a special event on Saturday, June 26, including a parents and coaches football tournament and two charity matches between Horsforth St Margaret’s teams and sides made up of ex-professional footballers, alongside a number of current soap opera stars and Mr Burnham.

Amongst the array of famous people due to pull on their boots are - actors Nick Pickford, from Hollyoaks, Alan Halsall, from Coronation Street, and James Hooton, from Emmerdale). Alongside the celebrities will be ex-professional footballers David Norris, who played for Portsmouth, Leeds Utd and Hull City, Nick Culkin, from Manchester Utd and QPR, and Lee Duxbury, Bradford City and Huddersfield Town.

The club has recently received some words of admiration from Marcelo Bielsa, head coach of Premier League side Leeds United. Mr Bielsa has contributed to the celebrations by acknowledging his gratitude to grassroots football in a special message to Horsforth St Margaret’s FC.

He said: "Grassroots football is, without a doubt, the most important stage or link in the comprehensive training of a professional footballer.

"Not only in the technical-tactical aspects, in relation to the skills of the game itself; but also in the attitudinal and value aspects so particular and necessary in the sporting life of a footballer.

"It is the most sensitive stage for the incorporation of new habits, knowledge, skills, concepts, values, which in the future will be the tools with which the athlete will perform, and will differentiate themselves from the rest of their peers throughout their career.

"That is why it is so important that all of us who belong to, or are in any way linked to, the world of football, not only assign it the correct place, but also put all our attention on providing and promoting ideas, actions and quality procedures for the development and growth of spaces and opportunities dedicated to formative football.

"A big hug, the greatest respect and recognition for all the people and professionals who give themselves day by day for this beautiful activity.

"And a special greeting full of gratitude to all the coaches, players and staff of the Horsforth St Margaret’s Football Club for their 100 years of dedicated work."

The Argentinian was approached by Mr McVeigh-Kaye, who is aa life-long Leeds Utd supporter.

He said: "I thought that Marcelo would fully appreciate the efforts that go into running grassroots football, from the coaches and club officials, who give their time and dedication for free, to the parents who support their children in their footballing development and not least, the players who always play to their best ability with a smile on their face. To receive such acknowledgment of our collective effort from such an esteemed coach as Marcelo has been a real morale boost after what has been a difficult year for everyone as we have dealt with COVID-19, during what should have been a year of multiple celebrations for our club."

Horsforth St Margaret’s FC, which recently featured in a programme about grassroots football on BT Sports, plan further centenary events during the rest of the year.

Saturday's celebration, which will include a barbecue and bar, will take place at Horsforth Sports Club, King George Playing Fields, Brownberrie Lane. It will begin at 12 noon with a 2pm kick off for the first match.