Manchester and Liverpool may be seen as two of the biggest rival cities in world football but their on-pitch differences are being put aside to help raise awareness of fostering and adoption.
Former England and Liverpool legend Mark Wright has teamed up with Salford City Council and red and blue players from Liverpool and Manchester to help recruit new foster carers.
Ex-United star Viv Anderson, Liverpool hero John Barnes, Everton goalkeeping legend Neville Southall and former City player and boss Peter Reid will all participate in a Football Legends six-a-side tournament on Friday.
They will play corporate teams from organisations including Utilitywise PLC and CSS Security with the final taking place on the rooftop pitch of the newly-opened Hotel Football in the shadows Old Trafford.
The legends will then take part in a question and answer session before a Gala Dinner Awards Ceremony and memorabilia auction.
The legends will start the day by hosting a football training exercise with children from disadvantaged backgrounds at Goals in Cheetham Hill.
Wright, and his wife Sue, have been foster carers for six years and are now adoptive parents. Southall is also a foster carer.
Mark said: “I’m delighted to be involved in Salford City Council’s drive to recruit foster carers and adopters.
“As a foster carer myself and also an adoptive parent I know the importance of ensuring stability and, when required, permanence for young people.
“There are hundreds of children across Salford and Manchester who need your help – so myself, John, Neville, Peter and Viv have all come together to ask for your support in finding new carers and families for these children.”
Foster Care Fortnight runs until June 14.
Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering can call 0161 799 1268 or email [email protected] or visit www.salford.gov.uk/adoptionandfostering.htm. You can find the team on Twitter @Foster4Salford
Main picture courtesy of Adam Bruderer, Peter Reid pic courtesy of Rach and Mark Wright pic courtesy of Creative Commons, with thanks.
