Oliver, dad Bob, Lewis and James Nightingale at last year’s annual charity football match
Mossley midfielder Lewis Nightingale and his twin brothers James and Oliver are once again holding their annual charity football match and are hoping to break the £2000 barrier.
The game, which is between a side put together by Lewis and one by his brothers, is held every year at Rawdon Old Boys FC in aid of Cancer Research UK and in memory of their grandfather Malcolm Green.
The Nightingale’s are holding this year’s match earlier than normal on Saturday 31st May with a 1pm kick off.
The family are also hosting an evening event to raise more money and tickets can be bought from them.
23-year-old Lewis said: “Last year we raised around £1,500 which is what we expected to raise.
“This year we want to go bigger and better and are looking to exceed the £2000 mark.
“This year we have organised an evening event with food, a disco and a raffle and with this and the match we hope it will take us beyond £2000.
“I think it has been such a success in previous year because it unites the whole village and brings the community together for such a good cause.
“People can come to watch a high level football match, enjoy a drink and hopefully win a prize.
“We get lots of support from the village. The local businesses donate a prize for the raffle with the local bakery providing refreshments.
“Without the support of the village we wouldn’t have had the success we have had.”
Accrington Stanley midfielder Josh Windass played in last year’s match and is expected to appear in May
Last year’s match, which was refereed by Premier League referee Jon Moss, finished in a 2-2 draw before Lewis’ team won 3-2 on penalties.
Accrington Stanley midfielder Josh Windass, son of Dean, played in that match and he expected to appear this year. It is also hoped that Ossett Albion striker David Brown, Curzon’s Connor Hampson and Huddersfield Town’s Jordan Sinnott will appear along with a few more semi-professional players.
And Lewis admits his brothers are desperate to get one over him.
“Yes they would like to take revenge especially because they deserved to win last year,” he added.
“This is our fourth year and my team has taken victory in the previous three years so I’m sure they will want to claim victory in this one.”
Anyone wishing to contribute to the cause can either contact Lewis or donate on the day as there will be donation buckets.