Saturday June 4th will go down in history as one of the most memorable days for Irish Autism Action and in particular for those who are fans of Manchester United Football Club. For the first time ever, The Old Trafford Pitch was opened up for use to a charity to raise funds. Between Irish Autism Action and its UK Partner Hearts & Minds, they sold 6 teams to fundraise for people with autism and their families. Mixed in with the die hard Manchester United fans who worshipped every moment spent on the pitch, in the dressing rooms, walking through the stadium, the museum etc. were legends of the game, Clayton Blackmore, David May, Lee Martin, Jimmy Case, Ian Brightwell, Ace Hartford, Eric Nixon, Liam O Brien and many more. Also playing was GAA legend Bernard Flynn, Irish Autism Action Keith Duffy and his son Jordan who was possibly the player of the tournament, a host of Soap stars including Corrie’s Tyrone and The Royle Family star Ralf Little.
Following a reception in The Old Trafford Guest Lounge all 92 players made their way to the dressing rooms to get ready to walk out on to the sacred ground where they were greeted by none other than Sir Bobby Charlton. Games got under way at 1pm. It was a wonderful 3 hours of football, albeit not at the highest level, but very entertaining in a different way. The game was followed by a gala dinner evening in the Evolution Suite at Old Trafford North Stand which overlooks the Theatre of Dreams.
Everybody that was there knew that it was an experience that they will never forget. To see the Irish Autism Action Logo on all the digi boards around the pitch at Old Trafford was amazing....
