Aces win places in top footy contest
TWO Skelmersdale men have been chosen to represent Great Britain in the 39th European Football Championships for people with learning disabilities. The championships will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from May 17-21. This comes after five members of Skem MenAces Football Club, James Hughes, Darryl Morris, Haydn Pulford, Stephen Rimmer and Theo Duke, travelled to Wakefield to compete in football trails on Sunday, January 28. Haydn, 25, and Darryl, 24, both from Skelmersdale, were selected.
The Skem Men-Aces is a football club based in Skelmersdale for adults with learning disabilities.
The team of more than 50 people formed in 2009 and have won many awards including the Queen’s Award for Volunteer Services, for which they were invited to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Team manager and founder of Skem Men-Aces Carl Eaton, 55, said: “Absolutely overwhelmed.
“Opportunities like this simply do not come around very often and all five lads worked incredibly hard at the trials in Wakefield.
“If I had my way all lads would have been picked as each and every one was a very strong candidate.
“Proud? You bet I am. Amazing human beings and an amazing club.”
Those who did not get selected will still be representing the Skem Men-Aces at the George Best community cup tournament tournament in Belfast from June 13- 15.
To fund the upcoming events, Carl and wife Mim are being sponsored to abseil 560ft down The Spinnaker Tower at Portsmouth Harbour.
The couple are hoping to raise £4,000 by completing this challenge – with more than £1,000 being donated so far.
All money raised will be used to fund the running of the club, and to finance upcoming football games and events for the Skem Men Aces.
Completing the task is going to be particularly tough for Carl, who is scared of heights and was born with spina bifida, meaning he is confined to a wheelchair.
To find out more, or to make a donation, visit the Gofundme page at www.gofundme.com/aces-overthe-edge.