A TROPHY bearing the name of football legend Bob Stokoe will for a second year help raise cash for young people with mental health difficulties and learning disabilities.

Following the success of last year’s charity match, where £5,000 was raised for the young people, this year fundraisers would like to raise even more to help develop the woodland next to Ferndene, an NHS inpatient centre on the outskirts of Prudhoe.

Stokoe was born in Mickley, Northumberland. He played for Newcastle United for 13 years, including in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 1955. He went on to manage Sunderland AFC, leading them to triumph in the 1973 FA Cup.

Sunderland AFC under 23s will challenge Prudhoe Town FC to keep hold of the Bob Stokoe Shield. The match will help develop woodland next to Ferndene into a into a mindful space, with some physical challenges for the young people.

Ferndene, run by Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (NTW), supports children and teenagers with complex health, behavioural, and emotional needs, including those with a learning disability.

Sunderland AFC Football Academy trains it’s under 12s Outreach Centre players at Ferndene.

It was this link that last year sparked the idea for a fundraising football match for the Bob Stokoe Shield. All the proceeds from the match will go towards sports facilities and equipment for the young people at the centre.

The match at Prudhoe’s Kimberley Park on Friday 4 May kicks off at 6.30pm. Tickets are £4 for adults and £1 for children .

Contact Ferndene Hospital (9am to 8pm) 01661 838 400; Brian at Prudhoe Town Community Centre on 0785 577 1335 and Prudhoe Town Council Centre on 01661 835 487.