Men-Aces living up to their name
THE Skem Men-Aces are celebrating after winning the 2017 Ormorod tournament.
The side from Skelmersdale did so by winning all eight matches they played, including the final – without conceding a single goal.
Skem Men-Aces manager Carl Eaton said: “After what I can only describe as an awful couple of weeks the Men-Aces went to Lytham to compete in the eighth Ormorod Tournament. Being with these truly incredible superhuman beings was just the tonic.
“Over 30 teams entered... and seven matches and a final later the Aces won every match, did not concede one single goal and won the tournament.
“It was always going to be a difficult tournament to win but the lads were more confident than I was and I should have known better than to doubt them!
“These men gave it everything they had. The football was an absolute joy to watch, their attitude and respect for the game was noted by many.
“I want to say thank you to each and every lad: Haydn Pulford, Matty Coppell, Shaun Penc, Carl Washington, Ash Stoneman, Theo Duke, Darryl Morris James Hughes and in particular Stephen Rimmer.
“Ste is one of our players and all round good lad. Ste wasn’t always like that and a few years ago his ego became bigger than the real person he was and is, and regrettably I was forced to let him go from the Skem MenAces.
‘‘This lad has now grown and matured and has now returned to the Aces and is honoured to represent Mencap team GB in the European Football Championships in Geneva this year.
“Despite this lad having his own issues and struggles he made a truly wonderful and beautiful gesture at the tournament we won.
“He donated his goal to one of our players and my adopted brother, Stephen Bairstow, who died recently aged 54.
“These incredible Skem Men-Aces, who have put up with years of adversity and limited income through no fault of their own, look after and respect each and everyone connected with this famous and unique club.
“These lads have the heart of a lion and I applaud them all.”
The Skem Men-Aces is a football team solely for adults with learning disabilities.
The club was established in July 2009.