Time for a plaque, say Men-Aces
THE manager of the Skem MenAces disabled football team is calling on local councils to recognise the with a plaque on one of Skelmersdale’s many roundabouts.
Carl Eaton, 57, was the first individual to receive The Freedom of the Borough in 2017, which is the highest honour that West Lancashire Borough Council can bestow on any citizen or body.
He was also recognised at the 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards and was also involved in the Mayor’s Committee which raised £12,000 for the club.
The coach has tried for more than four years to get some sort of plaque, banner or flag to honour the team’s successes and to recognise their achievements in raising more than £50,000 for various charities and good causes in the local area.
Carl said: “The Freedom of the Borough was a tremendous accolade for me to receive such a prestigious award but it was not awarded to the Skem Men-Aces.
“These amazing and talented disabled footballers simply want the local council to give them recognition for the effort they have given in putting Skelmersdale well and truly on the map for more than being just a town full of roundabouts.
“As a club they have also raised tens of thousands of pounds for various charities in the local area. It is the most successful football club for adults with learning disabilities. They’re based here in Skelmersdale and they have won everything there is to win in football.
“They love giving back and thanking the residents of Skelmersdale for their continued support. ”
The Skem Men-Aces have enjoyed success since they first came together on a muddy field in 2009 to play their first game.
They are unique in the North West, and they have travelled all over the country to compete in competitions, gaining an impressive full trophy cabinet.
In 2015 the club received the Points of Light reward from Prime Minister David Cameron and was given the Royal approval the following year after being awarded the MBE for volunteer groups by the Queen.
“As a club it continues to raise money for many local charities.
Carl said: “We will not accept that this simple request cannot be achieved and we implore Lancashire County Council to get in touch and get this much deserved accolade done once and for all.
“Both myself and my wife simply want the lads to receive the recognition they truly deserve.
“May I remind everyone that this plea has now been going on since 2016. We made a request 12 months ago however have received nothing but pie crust promises.
“We would just like to ask to have the Skem Men-Aces’ many achievements recognised by a simple plaque that says ‘Home of the Skem Men-Aces’ on one of the Roundabouts in our great town.
“What better way for them to thank you for your support and to raise the profile of disability sport throughout the country?”
A council spokesperson said: “West Lancashire Borough Council recognises the wonderful opportunities the Skem Men-Aces provide for its members and their fantastic achievements, which include winning a silver trophy at the Special Olympics in Bath in 2013. “We are also aware of the fantastic contribution they make to their local community.
“The council has bestowed the Freedom of the Borough, the highest honour it can bestow on any citizen or organisation, on the club’s founder Carl Eaton. past mayor raised £12,000 for the club
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