Penlake Juniors partner with St Helens' Willowbrook Hospice for upcoming football season

Willowbrook, a local charity that cares for patients with life limiting diseases, has helped many families associated with Penlake Junior Football Club, so officials and players have decided to give something back.

Penlake, a key part of the community in Sutton for more than 50 years, will run charity events for the hospice throughout the year, starting with this weekend’s football tournament at the Beeches playing fields in Sutton.

Marc Harrison, coach of Penlake’s under 9s team, where his son also plays, said: “[Willowbrook] is a great cause to be honest."

Explaining the decision to partner with the hospice, he added: “As a club, it’s [us] helping out the community and giving something back."

The weekend's football tournament kicks off at 10 am on Saturday for the under 7s and under 9s - and the same time the following day for the under 8s and under 10s - with large Willowbrook banners on show and buckets for donations.

Penlake under 9s

There will also be some famous football trophies on show that fans can have their picture with.

In addition to the fundraising events, Willowbrook’s logo will also be emblazoned on each of the club’s teams for the upcoming season, from the under 7s up to the open age group.

Marc added: “It’s a no brainer to have their logo on our shirts. It’s a great advert for the hospice."

With Covid restrictions and self-isolation periods creating a stop-start season over the past year, it’s been a difficult time for the youngster’s at Penlake, who have been forced to miss out on a lot of football.

This weekend’s tournament is designed to “put a smile on their face” and get the young footballer’s back playing together.

Tying this all together with the club’s partnership with Willowbrook, Marc said: “Anything we can do to help the community out is a winner."

To donate to the hospice, visit: https://willowbrookhospice.enthuse.com/cf/covid-19-appeal