AN APPEAL for sponsorship has been made for a special football match to raise funding and awareness for a safeguarding trust.

Stars from the world of showbiz and football are queueing up to take part in the Celebrity Football Match featuring a Hollyoaks XI at Chester FC’s Swansway Stadium on March 31.

Big names already signed up to feature include actor David Morrissey, and ex-England internationals Danny Murphy and Trevor Sinclair.

The game is to raise awareness and funds for the Offside Trust which works to combat child abuse in sport and support the healing journey of survivors.

Former Crewe Alexandra professional Steve Walters, who lives in Wrexham, has coached in Flintshire, and is a co-founder of the Trust, says he is delighted to see the game receive so much support already, and is hoping for a big turn-out on the day.

Within hours of tickets going on sale, 100 have already been snapped up and organisers are hoping for a sell-out.

Talking to the Leader about the event, Steve said: “Lee Trundle, Trevor Sinclair and Danny Murphy have already confirmed.

“We hoping for one or two current boxers as well.

“There will be entertainment as well as the football, including an exciting singer in Ellie Dibben and Paul Manners from Britain’s Got Talent. It will be a fun day for all the family.

“We’ll have a live auction and have already got some exciting prizes including a signed shirt from a James Bond girl.

“Barclays are doing a raffle, and McDonald’s in Chirk are also running a raffle for a hamper and have offered some of their staff to help out on the day.”

Last year Steve worked with Channel 4 show Hollyoaks as an advisor on a storyline which mirrored the experience of survivors subjected to abuse in childhood.

Leading up to the big game, Steve said organisers are still looking for some sponsorship of the event, and that it is crucial to keep raising awareness.

Any groups, businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the event can contact Steve via email at swalters4@sky.com

Tickets to the event are £10 for adults, £3 for children (age five to 17) and children under five go free.

For information visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-offside-trust-xi-v-hollyoaks-xi-celebrity-charity-football-match-tickets-55274992992