We are pleased to announce a new, community-orientated partnership with the ‘Man On Project’, an initiative created by former Inver Reds and current Irish League stars Johnny McMurray and Davy McDaid, alongside Jeff Hughes.
The partnership will see both the club and ‘Man On’ continue to work together to bring mental wellbeing projects and fundraising opportunities to the local community.
Over the past ten months, Inver Park has been the home of the ‘Man On Project’ – a weekly football programme organised by Hughes, McMurray and McDaid to provide a friendly kickabout and peer support for men over the age of 18, with the ultimate aim of enhancing physical and mental health for those who take part every week.
As attendances have grown month-on-month, the ‘Man On Project’ is now attended by more than 35-45 men each week, who will continue to enjoy the Inver Park facilities as part of the programme for the long-term, as part of the new partnership.
Alongside ensuring that Inver Park remains the home of ‘Man On’ long-term, the club will work with ‘Man On’ to facilitate two charity fundraising exhibition games, beginning with the inaugural Push Bike Billy Memorial Cup on Sunday.
In memory of legendary club photographer Bill Guiller, Sunday’s Push Bike Billy Memorial Cup will see a Man On XI take to the Inver Park pitch against Wellington Rec Over 35s.
Alongside a 2pm kick-off on the pitch, the family orientated event will also include face painting, a slush machine, bouncy castles and a penalty shoot-out inflatable alongside use of bar facilities for adults in attendance.
Funds raised at Sunday’s event will be passed over to the Guiller family, who will then select their preferred charities to support in memory of Bill.
Discussing the partnership, Operations Manager Chris Liddle said:
“Johnny and Davy are two individuals that everyone at Larne FC holds in high regard and the work which they have put into the ‘Man On’ project alongside the positive impact which it has had throughout the Larne community to date has been incredible.
“The two lads have put so much effort into making the programme what it is today and when asked to place the club’s long-term support behind their work, we couldn’t say yes fast enough.
“Inver Park is a home for the entire community, and projects like ‘Man On’ are exactly the type of initiative we are keen to support this with the use of our resources and facilities where we can.
“Our staff look forward to supporting Johnny, Jeff and Davy in their continued efforts, and collaborating on the charity exhibition games throughout the remainder of the year.”
