Organisers look forward to crackling good matches in Ripon’s Pig Cup charity tournament

 🐖⚽ The eyes of football fans across the globe will be firmly fixed on the FIFA World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, but a week before the big match in the USA, the Pig matches a week earlier will be hogging the local limelight 🐷✨ at Ripon City AFC’s Mallorie Park Drive ground.

Sunday July 12 will see 16 teams taking part in the inaugural Pig Cup six-a-side tournament ⚽🔥, being held to raise much-needed funds for men’s mental health charities Andy’s Man Club and Ripon Men’s Shed.

A minute’s silence

In view of the charities that are to benefit from the funds that are being raised, a minute’s silence in memory of those who have taken their own lives will be held before the tournament begins.

🏆 Showing off the EFL trophies

Stuart Ross who, with his wife Katie, owns and runs the award-winning Portly Pig hostelry on Kirkgate, told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog:

“So much has happened since we came up with the idea earlier this year following a discussion with regular Helen Cotterill-Smith, who works as a regional safeguarding manager with the English Football League.

“Helen’s contacts and know-how have proved priceless in sourcing football memorabilia donated by football league clubs for our charity auction and also making arrangements for the Carabao Cup, the League 2 play-off cup and Vertu EFL Trophy to be on display at Ripon City’s ground.” 🏆🐖

Katie pointed out: “We have been given free use of the club’s facilities and their clubhouse will be open for refreshments during the tournament, which runs from 10am until 2pm.” ☕⚽

She added: “We are extremely grateful for the help, support and encouragement that we have received from Ripon BID, businesses and individuals across the city and are delighted to report that more than £3,000 has already been raised for the two charities.” 💛🙌

📋 Which teams are taking part?

The line-up for Sunday is:

  • Andy’s Man Club
  • Bishopton Vets
  • CrossFit Ripon
  • Econ
  • HYL Clean-Dry
  • Origin, Northallerton
  • North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (two teams) 🚒
  • The One Eyed Rat
  • The Portly Pig (two teams) 🐖
  • Ripon Bowling Club
  • Ripon Decorating Centre
  • Ripon Races 🐎
  • Ripon Select Foods
  • The Tap on the Tutt Boroughbridge

🐷🏆 Who will win the cup?

Stuart, who will be playing for the Portly Pig, said: “It’s hard to predict who will be carrying off the silverware on Sunday, but I’d like to think that every team has a squeak and we are looking forward to some crackling good matches!” 🔥⚽🐖

Lilla Bathurst, manager of Ripon BID, added: “The Pig Cup was a great idea from the outset and it is tremendous to see how it has sparked the imagination of Ripon’s community of independent businesses and the fire and rescue service.

“As well as raising money for charities that are dear to the hearts of many people, the tournament will provide rapid fire entertainment for the spectators.” ⚡👀

Photos: The Portly Pig Ripon.