Manchester Charity Shield

MCS 2010

Now in its fifth year, The Manchester Charity Shield took place on the 6 June 2010. The event, established in 2006, had already raised over £14,000 in its first four years for various charities. The NSPCC was the selected beneficiary for 2009, a choice put forward by a sponsor, who stated 'it hurts me to see what adults can do to children. We must do all we can to make sure we stop this cruelty.'

The proceeds from the MCS 2010 went to the NSPCC's campaign to raise money to help man ChildLine and the NSPCC helpline. Both helplines are extremely understaffed and as a result over 700,000 calls from children in need are turned away. It costs ChildLine £4 to answer one call, therefore the £2,100 raised by the MCS 2010 will hopefully help over 500 children get the help they need.

The tournament itself was a hard fought affair with many surprises including the 2009 winners, Football Unitd, falling at the group stage. A hard fought two hours of football, culminated with Gujjar Army coming up against Lonsight Ligers in the final. Both teams had endured a difficult passage to the final and the start of the final was a cagey affair with both teams not taking too many risks. However, once Gujjar Army took the lead, they took complete control and went on to win the final comfortably 4-0 and lift the 5th Manchester Charity Shield.

MCS 2009

The Manchester Charity Shield took place on the 26th April 2009. The event, established in 2006, had already raised over £9,000 in its first three years for various charities. The New Manchester Children's Hospital was the selected beneficiary for 2009, a choice which was endorsed by a spectator, who observed 'when my child benefits from using the new facilities, I'll know I played a small part in helping it to be.'

The tournament brought teams from as far a field as London and was a hard fought two hours of football, culminating with F.U. (Football United) coming up against Trabs in the final. The final was a rematch of the first group game in which F.U. were comfortable victors with a scoreline of 4-0. The final threatened to go the same way, with F.U. peppering the Trabs goal from the off, only to be denied by some wayward shooting but in the main excellent goalkeeping. Trabs held on for a 0-0 draw, only to be denied by two goals to one in the penalty shootout.

MCS 2008

The 2008 Manchester Charity Shield took place on the 22nd June 2008. The event was established in 2006 and in its first two years raised over £6,000. This money allowed Human Appeal to purchase several Winter Tents for the survivors of the South-East Asia earthquake and also for Christies to buy equipment that would help the recovery process of young cancer sufferers in Manchester.

The tournament, in its new home at the Soccerdome in Manchester, was action packed and after an intense two hours of football, Real Manchester came up against the A-Team in the final. The final was extremely tight for the first few minutes as both teams tried to get measure of each other in a cagey affair. However, a mistake from the A-Team goalkeeper saw Real Manchester take the lead and although the goalkeeper redeemed himself with several good saves, it was not enough as Real Manchester eventually ran out comfortable winners with a score of 3-0.

The MCS 2008 raised £3,242. The money was used to support projects giving disadvantaged children in Manchester a taste of normality.

MCS 2007

The second Manchester Charity Shield took place on the 9th February 2007. The event was established in 2006 to raise money for the South Asian Earthquake appeal, however, the focus from 2007 was to support local charities. In 2007 it was decided that the proceeds would go to the children's ward at Christie Hospital.

The tournament, incorporating teams from all over the North West, kicked off on a freezing February evening and after a few bumps and bruises Elite Limousines of Cheetham Hill and Storey's Superstars from Bootle progressed to the final. Although Storey's Superstars took a 2-0 lead, last years winners showed their character and determination to eventually come out victorious once again, with a hard fought 3-2 victory.

The success of the tournament was largely down to people's willingness to brave the cold in the pursuit of glory, the fundraising ability of a few and also the support received from seven local businesses. The businesses provided donations, food and free advertising and a few even came down and helped serve the food after the tournament! While the football tournament was enjoyed by everyone, the main target of raising money for Christies was achieved, with £3,068 raised.

MCS 2006

On 20th January 2006 the first MCS kicked off in order to raise funds for the South Asia Earthquake Appeal. It was a tiring affair, with a few bruises thrown in for good measure! After some highly competitive games the tournament was eventually won by Elite Limousines of Cheetham Hill.

The presentation took place at Eastern Pearl Restaurant and was accompanied by an auction with prizes including signed boxing gloves, kindly donated by Ricky Hatton and a signed Manchester United football. One bidder walked away with all prizes after a keenly contested bidding war.

The MCS 2006 raised £3,098. The money was used to purchase three winter tents which gave shelter to several families facing the harsh winter.