FC United News

CLUB NEWS

Abbey Hey vs FC United

We have had confirmation from Abbey Hey that FC United`s final first-team pre-season friendly game on Wednesday 9 August will be played at Stalybridge Celtic`s ground: Bower Fold, Mottram Road, Stalybridge, SK15 2RT, kick-off. 7.45pm.

Prices will be £5 adults and £2 concessions, pay on the gate.

Steve Torpey signs for Halifax Town

Steve Torpey has signed a professional contract with Halifax Town. No fee will be involved, however Halifax have agreed to FC United`s request for a 25% sell-on clause to be included in his contract.

The club would like to wish Steve all the best for the future and the disappointment in losing him is tempered by the pleasure we`ll get from seeing one of our players realise his ambition of playing full-time football.

The club would also like to thank Steve for the contribution he has made to FC United in our short history. From scoring the club`s first ever goal at Flixton, literally just over twelve months ago, to his wonder goal at Halifax on Tuesday night; Steve has been invaluable member of the team.

Manager Karl Marginson has also offered nothing but praise for Torpey. He said: "Steve was a pleasure to manage and a cracking lad to have in the dressing room. I`m gutted to lose him, but am also chuffed to bits that the lad has got his chance to play at a higher level.

"He has easily enough talent to play in the Conference and I reckon could play even higher. FC want to keep our best players, but it also goes to show that we are a shop window and that if you play for us, knuckle down and show your worth, that clubs higher up than us will come knocking.

And Margy added: "I`d also like to thank Halifax Town in particular Chris Wilder, who have done everything by the book and conducted themselves perfectly. Phil, Darren and I, would all like to wish Steve the very best for the future."

The final word goes to Steve himself: "I`ve got genuine mixed emotions in all this. I`ve always dreamed of playing full-time football and Halifax have given me that chance.

"But on the other hand I know what I`m leaving behind; a cracking set of lads and amazing supporters. I can`t stress how much I`ve enjoyed the last year and it`s something I`ll never, ever forget.

"I can`t believe what has happened in the twelve months since that first ever goal at Flixton but it has been an amazing experience. I`d like to thank my team-mates, Karl, Phil and Darren for giving my chance at FC, but most of all the supporters who are the best around. I hope to see everyone again soon"

Cheers Torps.

FC United Cares

This season`s new northerncare and FC United initiative of offering free match tickets to young people in care and their carers in the Greater Manchester area has been greeted with huge enthusiasm by the care sector nationally.

Here are just a few of the positive comments that the project has received so far:

"We are pleased to be associated with this project - young people have often told us that participation in sports and leisure is very important to them. We hope care providers and clubs around the country will be inspired by this project," Careleaver, Maxine Wrigley MBE, National Co-ordinator of A National Voice for Young People in Care.

"This is inspiring for young people themselves and looks to be really enjoyable. We`re all for that!" Susanna Cheal OBE, Chief Executive, The Who Cares? Trust.

"Great initiative, and FC united is a great experiment in people not business running clubs. As a season ticket holder at Arsenal, I regularly feel the game at the top is losing its community roots and values to big money and commercial interest," After Care Manager, London.

"Good news for once!! I will be encouraging kids and carers to take advantage of it!!" Specialist Care Teacher, Manchester.

"That`s great news. If there`s anything going on that I can get involved in let me know," Careleaver and Social Worker, Wirral.

"What a wonderful opportunity - not so sure Exeter or Plymouth would follow suit - but could be worth a shot," Care Manager, Barnstaple.

"This is excellent…Can we promote to our kids now?" Care Manager, Salford.

"We would be very interested in working with you on this project," Care Manager, Salford.

"A really positive offer! Good luck. I don`t know of an equivalent scheme in South London," Senior Care Manager, London.

"Sounds great," Senior Care Manager, Birmingham.

"I`ll definitely get to a game now to show my support," Careleaver, Bradford.

"That`s great," - Careleaver, Southport.

"I think the idea is excellent and would be really beneficial to looked after young people who really need all the positive experiences they can get," Qualified Social Worker, junior football coach and football fan, North Yorkshire.

Taken from the FC United newsletter, so spread the word!

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