Adults with learning disabilities from across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire will take part in The Gerald Warren Cup tournament on 8th October at Arlesey Town Football Club.
The tournament was started in memory of local football fan Gerald Warren who attended the Adult Training Centre in Biggleswade in 2005 to promote sport for individuals with special needs and learning disabilities.
It is a 1 day tournament that is supported and affiliated by The Bedfordshire F.A, taking place at the aRMadillo stadium.
James Ruff, 19, a member of the Arlesey Town Ability Counts team says: “After playing in the Gerald Warren Cup tournament last year, I am really looking forward to taking part again. This cup is a great way of meeting others from the local areas with similar learning disabilities to myself who share my love of football. I made some good friends last year who I am looking forward to seeing again.”
When it started in 2005 only 4 teams took part, this year the following teams are taking part Bramingham, Leyden All Stars, Borehamwood, MK Dons, Luton Onetouchables, Townsend, Barnfield, Chaul End, Upside, Ace Enterprises, ATFC (2 teams), Hitchin (2 teams), Signpost.
Money raised from the event will be donated to The Arlesey Town F.C. Amenities Fund which will be used to help local adults with learning disabilities and get them involved in football.
Hitchin Town F.C. won the Gerald Warren Cup last year which has been running for 4 years.
The host of the tournament Arlesey Town F.C. have two teams taking part. They recently came 3rd in the Beds F.A. Summer League.
The Gerald Warren Cup relies completely on donations and volunteers. It needs support to keep running. Extensive advertising opportunities are available including: Main tournament, shirt and programme sponsorship. Any donations or raffle prizes for the cup would be greatly appreciated.
Notes to editors
The “The Gerald Warren Memorial Cup” is affiliated to Bedfordshire Football Association Ltd, and is open to any Adult Day Care Centre, College or Club who must be registered to a relevant County Football Association (not essential for Day Care Centres). The Tournament will be administered by Santiago Castrillon of Arlesey Town Football Club, and participation is by invitation only from the administrator.
The Tournament is played annually at Arlesey Town F.C. in October and will provide competitive opportunities for Adults Players, with disabilities as defined under “eligibility”, but of “Championship” and “League” status as in accordance with guidelines as defined by the Football Association.
If you wish to make a donation to The Gerald Warren Cup, please send it to Mr. Jeff Brown, Treasurer, Arlesey Town F.C. Hitchin Road, Arlesey, Beds, SG15 6RS. Please make cheques payable to Arlesey Town F.C. Amenities Fund – a formal receipt will be issued.