FOOTBALLERS are limbering up to go head to head once again for charity in memory of a former Solihull Moors player.
The second annual Nick Mowl Cup takes place at Solihull Moors Football Club on Damson Parkway on May 6 – in honour of Nick, who took his life in May 2017.
Birmingham City’s boss Garry Monk and coach James Beattie, a former England striker, will be walking out onto the pitch alongside local teams to raise funds for The Kaleidoscope Plus Group charity.
As well as football matches there will be bouncy castles, stalls, face painting, raffle, inflatables and a chance to meet football mascots.
From 9.30am teams are set to go head-to-head in the five-a-side under-11, under-13 and open-age tournaments in a bid to be crowned the Nick Mowl Cup winners.
Last year £10,000 was raised in Nick’s memory and organisers are hoping to double that.
One of the organisers Richard Beale said the money they raise will go towards a text scheme at at Kaleidoscope Plus Group to help those with suicidal thoughts keep safe.
So far £80,000 has been raised so the charity can employ a co-ordinator and a text service operator who will lead in the management and co-ordination of the national text service.
Richard said: “It is a fantastic feeling that the event was a huge hit last year and has grown this year.
“We could have filled the team places twice over and are very grateful for everybody’s support.
“It means so much to Nick’s family and friends that people are so supportive of our efforts to remember Nick and to raise money for such a good cause.”
During his playing career Nick played for Knowle FC, Solihull Borough (now Solihull Moors), Stratford Town and Bedworth United.
He was also a coach at Solihull College, Birmingham City University, Premier Skills and for the juniors at Coventry City, before taking his in-demand skills overseas to America and latterly Australia.
Nick’s talents saw him take up a position in the ever-expanding American ‘soccer’ scene – joining the Temecula Valley hawks in California as a coach.
Following his death in 2017 many of the youngsters Nick coached during his all-too-short career took to social media to pay tribute to him, describing him as one of the most genuine guys around and a great football coach who had a big impact on them and their football careers.
For more visit www.thenickmowlcup.co.uk or www.kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk about the charity.
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/NickMowlCup
