U’S LEGEND ON HAND TO AWARD HOMELESS CUP WINNERS
Former U’s legend Russell Crane presented a host of awards to the winners of the recent Tommy McLafferty Homeless Cup event, supported by the Cambridge United Community Trust.
Crane, who played for the club across two decades in the 1940s and 50s, presented the two finalists Corinthians and Jimmy’s Nightshelter with their respective awards, whilst the Player and Goalkeeper of the Tournament also received individual accolades from the former U’s star.
Named after Tommy McLafferty, a former Celtic player, who was a member of the homeless community who died in 2009, the tournament is staged annually to help the homeless in Cambridge.
This year’s edition saw the Tommy McLafferty Cup played at the Abbey Leisure Complex. Sponsored by the Cambridge South Rotary Club and organised jointly with Wintercomfort and Cambridge Link-Up, the Cup saw 5-aside teams from homeless agencies around the city compete in a football tournament.
The eight teams represented Jimmy's Nightshelter, Emmaus, Wintercomfort, Winston House, YMCA, Riverside, Corinthians and the Cambridgeshire Police. Jimmy's and Corinthians emerged as the respective group winners, and went on to meet in the final to decide who would be lifting the cup in 2015.
In a very closely contested match, Corinthians beat Jimmy’s on penalties to take the trophy, while Winston House narrowly took third place by beating Wintercomfort - also on penalties. All the games were very competitive and played in true sporting spirit.
Alan Franklin, President of the Rotary Club of Cambridge South, presented the trophies and medals on the afternoon. As well as the team awards, there was recognition for the Players of the Tournament: Mihai Gilceava of Jimmy’s and Clare Jolly of the Police; and the Brian Turner Goalkeeper of the Tournament: John Hunter of YMCA. These individual awards were decided by Emma Hyde, Chair of Cambridge Link-Up.
Mike Smith, of the Rotary Club of Cambridge South, said: “It is very clear that most of us are only a pay cheque and a personal crisis away from becoming homeless. It is a pleasure to work with the homeless organisations to arrange this tournament and see the fun and improved self-esteem from playing, or indeed even watching, the event.”
Meanwhile, Emma Hyde added: “Every year, spectators, players and organisers alike leave this event with a huge smile on their face and a massive sense of achievement.”
In addition to the teams and organisers, thanks goes to Food 4 Food, for supplying a delicious BBQ, the City Council Sports Development Department for providing the venue, and the David Ball Group, for providing additional sponsorship.
If you would be interested in supporting this event in 2016, please contact Cambridge United Community Trust at communitytrust@cambridge-united.co.uk.