South Shields Football Club is proud to announce the return of Let’s Kick Diabetes 2026, a special charity football match taking place on Sunday 2 August at Mariners Park, raising vital funds and awareness for Diabetes UK.
The event will see South Shields XI take on a Rest of the World Celebrities XI, with both teams competing for the Jude Thompson Cup in what promises to be an unforgettable afternoon of football, entertainment and community spirit.
The event is proudly supported by Headline Sponsor Staffpower Group, with the Jude Thompson Cup kindly sponsored by Shaun Matthias. Gates open at 11:30am, with a packed programme of family entertainment before kick-off.
Supporters can enjoy bouncy castles, face painting, ice cream, family activities and pre-match entertainment, including the popular Beat the Cat Challenge, before the match gets underway at 2pm.
The game will be officiated by referee Geoff Hetherington, with hydration breaks taking place throughout the match. Should the scores be level after 90 minutes, the winners of the Jude Thompson Cup will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.
Following the final whistle, the Jude Thompson Cup will be presented on the pitch, with medals awarded to both teams before celebrations continue in the Wolf Competitions Marquee.
The post-match entertainment includes live music from The Gaslighters, hosted by compère Brian Houshby, along with a charity auction featuring an outstanding selection of prizes, memorabilia and exclusive experiences, with every penny raised helping support Diabetes UK.
The club is encouraging the local community, football supporters and families from across the region to come together for what is expected to be one of the highlights of the summer, celebrating football while supporting an incredibly important cause.
A limited number of commercial opportunities also remain available, including the Hydration Partner, giving local businesses the chance to support the event while receiving valuable exposure throughout the day.
You can donate to the cause here: https://shorturl.at/xbZdX
Every ticket purchased and every donation helps raise vital funds and awareness for Diabetes UK.
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