Details and fixtures have been released for the 2023 Orphanage Cup.
The knockout features teams from businesses across the county with the final taking place on the AFC Darwen pitch on June 17.
With support from the Lancashire Football Association, the tournament raises funds for Wilpshire-based charity Child Action North West (CANW) and will kick off this year on April 27 at Pleasington Playing Fields, Blackburn.
The tournament has been running since 1932 when the Orphanage Cup competition started life as the Infirmary Cup – local businessman Sir John Rutherford Bart donated the trophy still used today to Blackburn Royal Infirmary to be competed for by football teams from local mills and workshops.
Following World War Two when the NHS was established, the 11-a-side cup competition raised money for Blackburn Orphanage. Over time, Blackburn Orphanage evolved into Child Action North West (CANW), but the Orphanage Cup remained.
Businesses were welcomed to the launch and a live draw decided the first round of fixtures.
Sue Cotton, CEO of CANW said: “The Orphanage Cup offers businesses a fantastic team building opportunity, and it’s a brilliant way to engage with colleagues outside of work in a fun and competitive environment.
"Businesses are also increasingly searching for a way in which they can directly support good causes within the communities most local to them – the Orphanage Cup gives local businesses the chance to score in both of these areas.”
The fixtures are as follows:
To find out more about Child Action North West, visit canw.org.uk
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