Mayor of West Lancashire's charity football match to commemorate famous football win

• Mayor's charities Birchwood Centre and Ormskirk Guides & Brownies to benefit
• Hollyoaks cast, celebrities and Skelmersdale United veterans to play

Mayor of West Lancashire, Councillor Gordon Johnson, is to hold a charity football match to raise funds for his chosen charities, as well as commemorating Skelmersdale United's famous FA Amateur Cup win in 1971 over 50 years ago.

The match will feature Skelmersdale United veteran players, celebrities and members of Channel 4's Hollyoaks, with proceeds helping to support the Birchwood Centre, Skelmersdale and Ormskirk St. Anne's 5th Guides & Brownies.

Councillor Johnson said: “As the current Mayor of West Lancashire I am thrilled and excited to be able to recognise the fantastic achievement of Skelmersdale United Football Club in winning the FA Amateur cup back in 1971.

"I am indebted to the Football Association and the National Football Museum for allowing us to bring the actual Trophy back to Skelmersdale to commemorate the achievement of our local club.”

The match will kick off at 1pm on 27 March at the JMO Sports Park, Skelmersdale. 

David Scott of the Birchwood Centre added: “It’s great to have the support of our Mayor and local football club Skelmersdale United. A big thank you also to Hollyoaks and the ex-players and celebrities for giving up their time for the event. Anything that raises the awareness of Birchwood and our services we are always appreciative of.”

Jacqui McDermott of Ormskirk St Anne's 5th Guides & Brownies said: “Thank you for supporting girl guides, empowering girls of today to be leaders of tomorrow.”

In the famous win Skelmersdale United won the FA Amateur Cup in a 4–1 thrashing of Dagenham at Wembley. Paul Griffiths, Chairman of Skelmersdale United FC, added: “Skelmersdale United FC are happy to be able to support our Mayor and local charities whilst commemorating the 50th anniversary of our club’s fantastic achievement in winning the FA Amateur Cup back in 1971.”

Details:

Skelmersdale Vets and Celebs v Hollyoaks Football Match for Mayoral Charities

Date/Time: Kick off – 1pm 27/03/2022

Location: JMO Sports Park, Skelmersdale

Attendees:

Mayor of West Lancashire, Councillor Gordon Johnson

Veteran Skelmersdale United Players

Celebrities including those from Hollyoaks (Details TBC)