FOOTBALLERS are finally limbering up ready to go head to head at a charity match in memory of a former Solihull Moors player.
The postponed third Nick Mowl Cup will be played out at Solihull Moors Football Club on Damson Parkway on August 1 – in honour of Nick who took his own life in 2017.
Former Manchester City midfielder and England player Gareth Barry and Aston Villa’s former midfielder Stilyian Petrov will be walking out onto the pitch alongside local teams to raise funds for The Kaleidoscope Plus Group charity.
The teams will be going head to head the coverted Nick Mowl Cup but also player of the tournament and goalkeeper of the tournament too.
In 2019, when the Cup was last held, Nick’s former club Knowle FC were crowned champions and more than £20,000 was raised on the day.
The funds are handed over to Kaleidoscope Plus Group who provide a text scheme to help those with suicidal thoughts keep safe.
The service went live in 2019 with a helping hand from the monies raised from The Nick Mowl Cup.
One of the organisers, Richard Beale, said: “I’d just like to say thanks to everyone for all of their support with the event.
“The day is so important to keep Nick’s legacy going, he was a really good guy and nobody knew that he was suffering mental anguish so it highlights the need to always be nice, to look out for each other and to get help if you begin to feel different and also to know that it’s ok to not be ok.
“The tournament helps to raise money to ensure a suicide text scheme run by Kaleidoscope + group can continue to help those in need.
“It also brings all of Nicks family and friends together annually and is a great day celebrating a great guys life.”
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
For support text TeamKPG to 85258 to access the service.
