Leeds United title winners and former record signing represent Whites in 'spicy' Yorkshire Classico
A promotion-winning Leeds United captain will join his former Elland Road team-mate, a record signing and an ex-Whites winger in a special 'Yorkshire Classico' battle.
Liam Cooper, fresh from appearing at Box Park in Wembley at the weekend as Leeds fans gathered before their team's FA Cup semi-final, is leading a team with a difference in a new charity competition. The 34-year-old, currently at Sheffield Wednesday, will captain a Leeds United padel team in a charity padel tournament against other teams made up of Yorkshire club players and former stars. Cooper skippers a team that includes his old team-mate Adam Forshaw - now at Blackburn Rovers - alongside a one-time record signing Brian Deane and former winger Seb Carole. They're due to face squads representing Sheffield United, Doncaster Rovers, Rotherham United, Barnsley and Cooper's current club the Owls. The event, on Tuesday May 5, will raise money for Weston Park cancer charity in Sheffield.
"All the players are really looking forward to playing in the Yorkshire Classico," said Cooper.
"Padel has become really big and so the opportunity to play against former teammates, rivals and some legends was one I was never going to turn down. As captain of the Leeds United team we’ll be going all out for the win but I can’t lie, it’s going to feel a bit weird going up against my current teammates at Wednesday. Obviously, it quickly got very competitive and so there’ll be some games I’m looking forward to watching as things have started to get a bit spicy in the group chat. I hope plenty of fans come down on May 5th and cheer all of the lads on.
"More importantly, we want to raise as much money as we can for the Teenage Unit at Weston Park Cancer Hospital. I haven’t been in Sheffield that long, but playing in Sheffield you quickly hear about the fantastic work the hospital does and the support and care they give to the region. So to be involved in fund raising for them is something I’m more than happy and proud to do."
The Sheffield United side includes former Whites Matt Kilgallon, fresh from his charity boxing win over Ross McCormack, and Billy Sharp.
Liz Purnell, Teenage Cancer Unit Lead Nurse said: “The support the Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service receives from Weston Park Cancer Charity allows us to provide support and care to patients over and above funded NHS treatments. The flexible access to this fund allows the TYA team the opportunity to offer hardship grants, peer support, residential trips, as well as activities for patients attending the hospital for their treatments.
“This funding provides patients with the opportunity to access support that isn't available through the NHS, and is tailored to each patient’s individual needs, helping them to better deal with the unique challenges of a cancer diagnosis at a young age. Weston Park Cancer Charity are very grateful for the fundraising and awareness FC Padel are providing this Teenage Cancer Awareness Month."
The tournament takes place from 5pm until 8.30pm on May 5 at Club De Padel on Boyland Street in Sheffield. Tickets to watch the clubs go at it cost £10, with all money going to WPH Teenage Unit. Watch the matches, support your team and meet the players! You can secure your ticket HERE.