Smile Adoption and Fostering Challenge Cup

As part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Smile Fostering and Adoption Recruitment Drive to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers and adopters, a charity football match was organised between Chester FC Select XI v Cheshire West & Chester Council XI. The match was played on Monday 28th April at Chester Swansway Stadium before an audience of invited guests which included Her Worship the Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Jill Houlbrook, Lady Mayoress Rachel Walker, elected members, local employers and people from the sports community. Chester FC agreed to put out a Select XI team including members of their staff to play against a Representative Team from CWAC which included people from across the Directorates, elected members and Chief Executive, Steve Robinson. Premier League referee Mike Jones agreed to referee the game with Sam Jones and Connor Johnston as his assistants.

An Adoption and Fostering Information event was held before the match for people to come along to find out more about becoming a foster carer or an adopter to which the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress made a surprise visit.

The game was played in good spirit with end to end action. Following a great goal from Alex Hay – ex Tranmere Rovers FC and Rushden & Diamonds FC and now chief scout for Chester FC, the score at half time was Chester FC 1 – 0 CWAC. Early in the second half a sure footed half volley from Mike Hayes for CWAC, levelled the score to 1-1. CWAC went on the seal the game in the second half with a great goal from Chris Melia.

Following the match there was a corporate recruitment event to which representatives from local businesses and the football community were invited to hear how they can help to raise awareness of fostering and adoption through their workforce and members.

During the evening a raffle was held to raise money for Cheshire Young Carers, a local charity which supports young carers – a child or young person living with a parent or sibling with a disability and/or illness – a fantastic total of £246 was raised.

A very successful evening all round with Chester FC agreeing to have this as an annual event going forward.

Playing Squads:

Chester FC:

Steve Burr (Chester FC Manager), Jon McCarthey (Chester FC first team coach), Carl Macauley (Chester FC assistant manager), Alex Hay (Chester FC scout) Callum McIntyre (Chester FC youth manager), Dave Riche (Chester FC Business Development Mgr), Calvin Hughes (Chester FC secretary), Andy Cummins (Chester FC bar manager), Simon Whittle (Westgrove Group), Tony Carroll (ex Runcorn, Altrincham FC), Jamie Davies, Joe Flynn, Jason Bowdler (Chester FC academy/youth coaches.)

CWAC:

Alistair Jeffs (Player Manager (Strategic Commissioning), Chris Melia (Customer Services), Councillor Mark Stocks (Captain), Executive Member, Children & Education, Colin Rowland (ICT Strategy), Colin Rutter (Property & Information), Councillor Ben Powell (Shadow Portfolio Holder – Finance), Craig Smith (Apprentice), Derek Hart (Change Management), Heath Thornton (Capital Delivery & Maintenance), Jake Mitchell (representing Adoption & Fostering Service), Jeff Bynan (Strategic Commissioning), Joe Hayes (Children’s Service), John Seiler (Natural Environment), Jon Jones (Legal & Democratic Services), Liam Brennan (Apprentice), Mark Wynn (Head of Finance), Matt Phoenix (Pensions), Matthew Dodd (Strategic Commissioning), Matthew Williams (Finance), Mike Hayes (representing Adoption & Fostering Service), Rob Bunker (Capital Delivery & Maintenance), Steve Robinson (Chief Executive), Stuart Scheuber (representing Adoption & Fostering Service) and Tony Clark (Regeneration)

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