ITV stars boost ground appeal

ITV's Allstars are kicking off in a charity fundraiser at Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Marine's Arriva Stadium in July.

The Premier Division's Mariners announced on Wednesday that a team of ITV celebrities have agreed to turn out in aid of their on-going ground appeal and local charity, T.E.A.M.

The event kicks off at the Arriva Stadium on Saturday 20 July at 2pm and continues with a further fundraiser in the evening. The Mariners say ticketing and admission details will be announced shortly.

ITV's celebrities will play an Allstars side from the charity's army of volunteer tradesmen. Headed by Kieran Owens, the charity makes things happen by helping community causes, disadvantaged families with children and others with disabled children or youngsters suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

T.E.A.M is now undertaking its most ambitious project yet to build a specially adapted leisure lodge for disabled children and disadvantaged families. The centre, to be named 'T.E.A.M Towers' when built, will provide quality breaks for up to 50 families a year. A share of the proceeds from the match will go towards the £75,000 needed to buy a plot of land.

Marine's ground appeal has already seen the installation of a £70,000 floodlights last season and the club hopes to raise further funds for ground improvement including additional catering and a new covered stand at the Crosender Road end of the ground, a development they've already won planning approval for from Sefton Council.

Marine Chairman Paul Leary said: "I am really excited to link up with the people at T.E.A.M who do such a wonderful job helping disadvantaged families and organisations in the area. This will be a great family fun day of entertainment both in the afternoon and in the evening in what will be a very special day for all concerned in raising funds for two very good causes.”

Leary added: "I would like to thank the ITV celebrities from Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and Waterloo Road for giving up their time to play in the game and help raise much needed funds for T.E.A.M and Marine FC."

T.E.A.M.'s Kieran Owens said: "We are thrilled to be playing this charity football match. To be involved in such a high profile event will be great for raising our profile and giving valuable attention to T.E.A.M and our fundraising projects. We are also proud to be involved in raising funds for Marine FC’s ground appeal. It will be an exciting, fun day for everyone."