Club supports Marine community efforts ahead of historic cup tie
Fri 08 January 2021, 11:30|
Tottenham Hotspur
The Club has lent its support to Marine AFC’s community scheme ahead of our historic FA Cup tie with the Northern Premier League outfit this Sunday.
Marine have long been an integral part of their community in Crosby, Merseyside, and this work has been extended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Volunteers, including Liverpool legends Jamie Carragher and David Fairclough, have delivered free lunches, quizzes, local information and friendly chats to residents who have been in isolation, with the club also running Community Walking and Walking Football groups when guidelines permit.
Earlier this week, our very own Gary Mabbutt joined former opponent Fairclough, himself a Marine in the Community Ambassador, for a video chat with a number of volunteers and beneficiaries of this work.
Participants were able to ask the legends for their thoughts on Sunday’s game and talk about its importance to the community in Crosby, while Gary was able to learn more about the work of Marine In The Community.
Gary himself has spent the entire pandemic making daily phone calls to our elderly Spurs supporters celebrating birthdays or other occasions – to date, he has made in excess of 1,780 calls.
The 1991 FA Cup-winning captain said: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, getting to meet those connected with Marine and learning more about the fantastic community work being delivered by the club.
“Sunday’s tie really does encapsulate the magic of the FA Cup and our two clubs coming together in this way highlights that this is more than just about the football.”
Graeme Gardiner, Community Director, Marine AFC, said: “The support we have had from Tottenham Hotspur has been outstanding. The chatroom and conversation with our local residents was wonderful and a real friendly gesture from Tottenham.
“Gary and David took time and interest to support people in isolation and show the impact a football club can make in its community, however large or small, with time and a friendly chat. I am sure after the game a real affinity and friendship will last for many years between Marine and Spurs.”
The Club has also donated signed merchandise and exclusive prizes including Stadium Tour and Skywalk vouchers to raise funds for Marine ahead of the tie.
Our fans have so far helped raise £15,000 for the non-league club via the purchase of virtual tickets – their flags and banners will be placed on display in the stands at the Marine Travel Arena for Sunday’s match.
Marine in the Community has produced 2021 e-calendars, which are available for a minimum donation of £2.50, with funds going towards supporting the club’s continued community work.
